Pats Pulpit
Strange takes a major step forward in his recovery from a torn patellar tendon.
The New England Patriots offensive line is set to receive a boost on Wednesday. Cole Strange, the team’s nominal starter at left guard, will be back at practice for the first time since suffering a torn patellar tendon last December.
Head coach Jerod Mayo announced Strange’s return during a press conference on Wednesday morning.
“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,” Mayo said.
“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.”
The 29th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, Strange became a Day 1 starter for the Patriots at the left guard position. In total, he started 27 games for the organization over his first two seasons but suffered the aforementioned knee injury 11 months ago.
Since then, the 26-year-old has been going through rehabilitation — a process that led to him spending all of training camp as well as the early parts of the season on the physically unable to perform list. For now, he remains on the list. However, his return to practice means that the window for a return to the 53-man roster has now opened: the team has 21 days to activate him, or else he will miss the remainder of the season.
When or if Strange will be activated remains to be seen. There also is uncertainty what position he will play upon his return; Mayo noted his ability to play both guard and center on Wednesday.
The Patriots will travel to Miami in Week 12 to play the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
