Unexpected roster return could be the savior of the Patriots' offense

To say the Patriots' offensive line is depleted heading into Week 5 would be an understatement. It would be an even bigger understatement to say they needed significant help to improve the roster if they hope to have any semblance of success for the rest of the season.

With injuries to almost every starting lineman, including the unfortunate season-ending surgery David Andrews needed, all signs have pointed to the need to explore the remaining free agents and whether they could potentially help the Patriots offense.

Unfortunately, their options are significantly limited due to the league-wide shortage of starting quality linemen. However, there are still a few options that seem worthy of consideration to bring in for the rest of the season, at the very least.

While that's still a factor to consider, especially given their injury plagued roster, the team received some unexpected good news regarding one of their injured players who started the season on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list this past week.

Cole Strange's much earlier return is exactly what the Patriots offense needs right now

After the loss of Andrews earlier this week and several others continuing through practice on the injury report, the state of the offensive line was not looking good ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the Dolphins.

There still isn't a lot of optimism about their chances against their divisional foe, but a new report from MassLive's Mark Daniels provides a sliver of hope that help is on the way.

According to his sources, third-year left guard Cole Strange is on track to return this season. This wasn't expected before the season began due to how late in the 2023 season he suffered his injury. It's a big win for the Patriots if they are able to get him back sooner rather than later, as he could significantly help them overcome their offensive woes.

"According to a source, guard Cole Strange is on track to return to the Patriots this season. The former starting left guard is currently on the physically unable-to-perform list after suffering a torn patellar tendon last season.

Although his timeline is dependent on his recovery, a source said Strange is still expected to return and play for the Patriots later this season."

The timetable for his return is unknown, which isn't necessarily great news. However, hearing an update about his status after just the first month of the season makes it feel like things are swiftly moving in the right direction and much faster than anticipated.

Although he has been far from perfect since the Patriots shockingly selected him in the first round of the 2022 draft, his experience and stability at the position would be a massive help on the weakest side of the offensive line that has led to the most problems for the offense this season. If they chose to do that, it would allow Sidy Sow to move back to the right side and potentially get Mike Onwenu back at right guard, where he has thrived throughout his career.

It will definitely be worth monitoring as the season progresses, as the offense's success likely hinges on Strange's return.

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