The New England Patriots offensive line received a boost this week: former first-round draft pick Cole Strange, a 27-game starter at left guard who also might factor into the center mix, returned to practice on Wednesday. It was his first time back on the field since tearing his patellar tendon last December.

What the future has in store for Strange, and how quickly he can return to game shape, will be seen. That uncertainty might be why New England keeps looking for help along the offensive line even with him back in the fold.

Earlier this week — when the team already could have anticipated Strange’s return to practice — the Patriots took a look at two free agent linemen. They worked out Tyler Beach and hosted Darrell Simpson for a visit at Gillette Stadium, per the NFL transactions wire.

Beach, 25, started 29 games at Wisconsin before entering the NFL as a rookie free agent in 2023. After starting out with the Houston Texans but not seeing any action in his first season, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this year. However, the 6-foot-6, 290-pound guard was released ahead of roster cutdowns back in August.

Simpson, 25, spent his six-year college career at Oklahoma and Tulsa. Starting 15 games at guard and tackle along the way — all of them after his transfer to the Hurricane in 2022 — he did not hear his name called in this year’s draft. The 348-pounder, who stands at 6-foot-6, spent the summer with the Baltimore Ravens before getting waived in late August.

Following a series of transactions this week, the Patriots are left with one open spot on their 53-man roster. Not including Cole Strange, who officially remains on the physically unable to perform list, they have eight combined interior offensive linemen signed to their active roster and practice squad.