Cole Strange is back.
The New England Patriots have activated Strange from the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, as reported Tuesday by Adam Schefter and later officially announced by the team. The third-year guard will take the Pats’ open roster spot created by the release of wide receiver K.J. Osborn.
Strange, 26, has not played in an NFL game since Dec. 17, 2023 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Strange exited that game with a knee injury, later reported as a torn patellar tendon. He underwent off-season surgery and spent much of the 2024 season recovering while placed on the PUP list.
Strange finally returned to practice for the Patriots on Nov. 20 in Foxboro, starting the 21-day window for the team to activate him from PUP. Tuesday marked the deadline for activation.
Ostensibly, Strange will now be available for the Patriots offensive line, which has struggled to maintain continuity across the board amid injuries and on-field struggles. Strange should be an immediate candidate to play left guard, where rookie Layden Robinson played in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Strange could also be a possibility to play center, where Ben Brown has started eight games in a row going back to Week 6 against the Houston Texans. David Andrews recently talked to 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand about working closely with Strange to prepare him for potentially playing center in his return.
The Patriots’ first injury report on Wednesday will provide more clarity on Strange’s status for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.
