The Patriots have had the unfortunate luck of having a handful of their most important players injured this year. Many of them were immediately ruled out for the remainder of the season. Others, like Kendrick Bourne and Cole Strange, were still rehabbing from injuries sustained last year, pushing out their return to the field this year.
Fortunately for the struggling receiving corps, Bourne was able to return to the starting lineup much sooner than initially anticipated, but that same luck was not extended to Strange, who was dealing with a far worse injury than anyone knew.
He is now trending to finally make his 2024 season debut this weekend against the Chargers, which couldn't be happening at a better time for the offense.
The offensive line has been a problem all year, so adding some stability with a guy like Strange is much-needed. And while he still could get back to his typical role as the starting left guard, it's looking more and more like he will be taking over at center for the recently injured Ben Brown, a role that Strange doesn't have much experience in thus far.
Jerod Mayo mentions Lecitus Smith and Cole Strange as centers the Patriots are getting ready to play Saturday, with starter Ben Brown in the concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/fQh5b5MuqH
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 26, 2024
Cole Strange's return is a big deal, and could be even more so with a start at center
With David Andrews out for the year after suffering a shoulder injury early in the year, the Patriots needed to find a qualified replacement for the seasoned veteran center. They had no one on the roster who would fill in at the level they needed, so they eventually signed Ben Brown from the Raiders practice squad.
He was on the field at center just three days later, and in many aspects, he has easily been the best offensive lineman every week.
Unfortunately, however, he was diagnosed with a concussion over the past week and does not look like he will be cleared to play before the Chargers come to town on Saturday. Therefore, Strange is the frontrunner to fill in during his absence.
Jerod Mayo said as much while speaking to reporters on Thursday, stating that Lecitus Smith would also be on hand for the job if needed. It's an essential job for either player to take over, especially for a game that could be won, but neither has worked much with Drake Maye this year, creating some concern about how Saturday will go.