Patriots Reportedly Expect First-Round Starter To Return

The Patriots’ offensive line could get the much-needed help it so desperately needs at some point this season.

New England’s offensive line looked horrid through four weeks. Jerod Mayo’s side went through four left tackles, Sidy Sow missed the start of the season and David Andrews will get shoulder surgery, likely ending his season. And multiple starters were listed on the injury report heading into Week 5.

However, the unit could get one starter back.

According to MassLive’s Mark Daniels on Thursday, Cole Strange was on track to return this season. The 2022 first-round pick is on the physically unable to perform list after suffering a torn patellar tendon last season. Strange did work this week on the conditioning field, but he hasn’t formally returned to practice, so his 21-day window to return hasn’t opened yet.

Sione Takitaki and Kendrick Bourne did come off PUP list and are eligible to be reinstated to the active roster.

Mayo hinted over the summer that Strange could get reps at center, and it might be an option for the head coach with Andrews likely out for the season. Andrews’ backup, Nick Leverett, also finds himself on the injury report. Strange briefly played center at UT Chattanooga in 2019, but the 26-year-old primarily played left guard in his college and pro career.

Still, Jacoby Brissett and the Patriots offense need all the help they can get, and they’ll get it once Strange is cleared to practice.