ORCHARD PARK, NY – Just over a year after rupturing his patellar tendon, Cole Strange has returned to That of New England active roster on game day in Buffalo.
Strange will see action for the first time in 2024 against the Bills. He was activated from injured reserve earlier this month, but wasn’t ready to return last weekend in Arizona and was scratched. It’s been an arduous recovery process for the 2022 first-round pick, who had to learn to walk again after suffering a serious knee injury last December.
“It was crazy,” Strange said. “I felt like a baby deer. It was uncomfortable as hell. The only thing about it is just doing it. Walking with crutches and then walking without them. Forcing myself not to limp, not going to the right leg. It’s not the same, but it’s the same with football. It’s just doing it.”
Since returning to practice last month, Strange has worked exclusively at center. He had played guard under Bill Belichick during his first two seasons in Foxborough, but offensive line coach Scott Peters believes Strange is thriving in the new position.
“He’s done a good job,” Peters said. “He’s learning it. It’s new for him, but he’s picking it up pretty quickly. I think he’s done a pretty good job so far … he knows the system. I think the fundamental techniques are coming along. I think for him it’s more than just feeling safe and giving the green light.”
It remains to be seen how well Strange will actually play at Highmark Stadium, but returning to the lineup is another big step forward given the severity of his injury.
“Man, it’s been a lot longer than I wanted it to be,” Strange said as he returned to practice. “Honestly, it has been very hard and very aggravating. I never wanted this to happen, but the silver lining is that it gave me a really good perspective and more gratitude for where I am. I feel great going forward. Everything I had to relearn how to do: even walk. Crouch, run, jump. I felt very uncomfortable at first. I just kept hammering away at it. i feel good I’m sure it will be the same with the ball.”
It wasn’t all good news on New England’s inactive list, however, as Jabrill Peppers will be sidelined with a hamstring injury. The safety had been listed as questionable and he made the trip to Buffalo, but he’s not ready to go. The Patriots will also be without Marcus Jones (hip) and JaMycal Hasty (ankle), who were ruled out Friday, and Lecitus Smith and Tyrese Robinson, who are healthy scratches. Joe Milton III rounds out the inactives as he will once again serve as the emergency third quarterback.
- BETTING: Check out our MA Sports Betting Guidewhere you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read the odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.