The Patriots were dealt an unfavorable card to start the season regarding the number of injured players who could not play during the 2024 season, or at least not for several weeks. That got even worse when captains David Andrews and Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered season-ending injuries in the first month of the season, adding to the long list of trusted veterans not on the field for a crucial rebuilding year.
Fortunately, now that we're heading into Week 11, some players could be on their way back, most notably Christian Barmore.
The defensive tackle had been sidelined indefinitely during training camp due to a health scare. That resulted in him being put on injured reserve, and because of the severity of the diagnosis, it didn't seem like he would be back in a Patriots uniform any time soon.
He practiced with the team on Thursday ahead of their matchup with the Rams, meaning his return to the starting lineup is right around the corner. That prompted reporters to ask for any news on starting left guard Cole Strange, who has been rehabbing an injury sustained last season, to which Jerod Mayo responded with a discouraging update.
Cole Strange is further behind on his rehab - putting his 2024 return in doubt
Because the offensive line has been an ongoing problem this year, having Strange back in the lineup felt like it could dramatically turn things around for the offense, especially Drake Maye.
Rumors circulated that the lineman was closer to getting back to practice than initially believed, but Mayo said the opposite when speaking to the media on Thursday morning.
Jerod Mayo: OL Cole Strange is not yet at the point where he is ready to practice.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 13, 2024
Although the production of the offensive line has improved in recent weeks, on top of Maye successfully navigating through their struggles, it would be significant to have Strange in the lineup for the first time this year. So hearing that he isn't much closer to making his return is disappointing for many reasons.
Of course, injuries are serious, so there is no need to rush him back until he's fully ready; there's no arguing that. It's more about longing for a solid option on the left side of the offensive line, which has been the weakest part of the group, and how beneficial that would be for the entire offense.
Instead, we'll have to learn to be more patient about Strange's triumphant return and hope that we will get a chance to see it for (at least) one game this year.