Cole Strange’s Triumphant Return: Patriots’ Star Reveals Timeline for His Return to Patriots’ O-Line
The New England Patriots offensive line has been arguably the weakest unit on the team this season, but it could soon get a boost in the form of Cole Strange. The former first-round draft pick, who has been out since suffering a torn patellar tendon last December, was recently activated to the 53-man roster.
Strange did not play in his first game back on the active squad, and was instead made a game day inactive versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15. However, his return seems imminent.
“I would say soon,” he told ESPN’s Mike Reiss on Wednesday. “Next week, maybe even this week.”
Getting Strange back would be welcome news for the Patriots’ battered O-line. A potential starter at either left guard or center, he could be an immediate upgrade over incumbents Layden Robinson and Ben Brown, respectively.
Strange, 26, arrived in New England as the 29th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. A Day 1 starter at left guard, he went on to start 27 games over the next two seasons. However, his knee injury forced him into a long rehabilitation process and to spend more than 12 full months between games.
That said, he is optimistic about his current status.
“I feel like I’ve been improving a little bit week by week,” he said. “I feel like I’m headed in the right direction, for sure.”
With the Patriots at 3-11, Strange’s return will obviously not fundamentally change the team’s fortunes. It will serve two purposes, though.
On one hand it will help shore up the protection for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, something that has been an issue all year. In addition, Strange will get his feet wet again in an attempt to showcase where he best fits heading into 2025.
The Patriots will play the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. Kickoff at Highmark Stadium is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.
