The Patriots’ injured starter is expected to return in a new position against the Chargers

The Patriots have been unfortunate this year with a handful of their key players injured. Many of them were immediately ruled out for the rest of the season. Others, like Kendrick Bourne and Cole Strange, were still rehabilitating from injuries sustained last year and pushing for their return to the field this year.

Luckily for the beleaguered receiving corps, Bourne was able to return to the starting lineup much sooner than originally expected, but the same luck wasn’t with Strange, who was dealing with an injury far worse than anyone knew.

He’s now leaning toward finally making his 2024 season debut this weekend against the Chargers, which couldn’t come at a better time for the offense.

The offensive line has been a problem all year, so there is a real need to provide some stability with a guy like Strange. And while he could still return to his typical role as starting left guard, it’s looking more and more like he’ll take over the center position for the recently injured Ben Brown, a role Strange doesn’t have much experience in so far .

The return of Cole Strange is a big deal and could be even more so if he starts in the middle

With David Andrews out this year after suffering a shoulder injury earlier this year, the Patriots needed to find a qualified replacement for the seasoned veteran center. They didn’t have anyone on the roster who could fill in at the level they needed, so they ended up signing Ben Brown from the Raiders’ practice squad.

Just three days later he was on the field at center and in many ways was by far the best offensive player every week.

Unfortunately, however, he was diagnosed with a concussion last week and it doesn’t appear he will be cleared to play until the Chargers arrive in town on Saturday. Therefore, Strange is the leading candidate to step in during his absence.

Jerod Mayo said this in a call with reporters on Thursday, explaining that Lecitus Smith would also be available for the job if needed. It’s an essential job for either player to take charge, especially in a game that could be won, but neither has worked much with Drake Maye this year, raising some concerns about how Saturday went.

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