The New England Patriots, now led by head coach Jerod Mayo in his first season, have started 2024 with a 2-7 record through nine games, highlighting their need for additional support.
Fortunately, help might be on the way.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that Patriots offensive lineman Cole Strange is nearing the final stages of his recovery from a torn patellar tendon suffered late last season.
His rehabilitation has reportedly been smooth with no setbacks.
Strange, the Patriots’ 2022 first-round pick from Tennessee-Chattanooga, hasn’t excelled at guard since joining the league, but his return would provide some needed depth along the offensive line.
The team had even contemplated moving him to center before signing Ben Brown, and that option may still be possible. Mayo also addressed the status of defensive lineman Christian Barmore on Monday.
“We’re getting close,” Mayo replied simply.
Barmore, New England’s second-round pick from Alabama in 2021, signed a substantial contract extension this offseason but was diagnosed with blood clots in training camp.
If he can return and reach last season’s performance level—no small feat—it would be a major boost to a defense in need of reinforcement at this stage of the season.
