The New England Patriots’ first-round pick in 2024, Cole Strange, is expected to miss the start of the 2024 NFL season due to a significant knee injury. This could potentially keep him out of action until the middle of the season, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Strange had a strong rookie season, starting all 17 games at left guard and making 10 starts in 2023 before being sidelined for the final three games.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo indicated that Strange’s recovery timeline is more week-by-week or month-by-month rather than day-to-day. This injury prompted the team to draft Layden Robinson in the fourth round of the 2024 draft as a potential replacement. Second-year guard Sidy Sow has been taking reps at left guard during organized team activities, with Nick Leverett at right guard. In addition to Robinson and Sow, rookie Atonio Mafi could also be in the mix at the guard position while Strange is recovering.
Mayo’s comments regarding the injury suggest that the Patriots will need to adapt their offensive line strategy in the early part of the season. It’s disappointing for Strange who dealt with injuries throughout last season and was looking forward to building on his early success in the NFL.
