Cole Strange practiced on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a torn patellar tendon last December. The 2022 first-round pick began the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list but now has a chance to return to an offensive dealing with major issues on the interior.
Cole Strange Makes Long-Awaited Return to Practice
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo broke the news about Strange during his Wednesday morning news conference.
“Cole Strange will return to practice today, which is exciting not only for him to get back out there but understanding the journey that he has taken to even get to this point,” said Mayo, who dealt with a similar injury during his playing career.
“Oftentimes, those things get looked over, but it is a journey. Anytime you’re coming back from injury — which I know; I know the feeling — it’s not a straight line getting back to the way you used to play. It takes time going through rehab and all those things. It’s been a long year for Cole, but excited to have him out there.”
Strange started 27 games at left guard over his first two seasons. The Patriots could use a boost at left guard, where Michael Jordan has struggled of late after a solid start to the season.
However, Strange played some center during his collegiate career and many evaluators pegged him as a future NFL center ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. While speaking to reporters after training camp, Mayo said Strange would work at center upon his return — and that’s still the plan.
“He does have the flexibility to play center and play guard,” Mayo said on Wednesday. “He’s been getting extra work at center.”
David Andrews was New England’s starting center for the first four weeks. After he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, the Patriots poached Ben Brown off the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad, and the veteran has started every game since.
Brown’s done an admiral job given the circumstances, but he also ranks last among all qualifying centers on Pro Football Focus.
Behind the scenes, Andrews has been preparing Strange for a potential position change.
“Dave Andrews [has done] a good job with him as well,” Mayo said. “A guy that, he’s on IR for the year, but just his leadership remains in the building. And one of those tasks has been to help Cole understand the center position while he wasn’t able to be on the practice field.”
Strange probably is a long shot to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots, who’ll host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13 before going on a bye, will have until Dec. 11 to activate Strange off PUP.
It remains to be seen what position Strange will play when he’s ready for game action. The Patriots arguably need more help at left guard than center, but they also might want to play him at center to learn whether he’s a viable long-term option.
