The Patriots will have a new starter at center on Saturday afternoon.
Ben Brown wasn’t able to clear the concussion protocol in time for this weekend’s game with the Chargers, so he’s been downgraded to out. That means New England will likely start either Cole Strange or Lecitus Smith at center, neither of whom has a snapped a ball in a game for the Patriots this season.
Strange’s story is well documented.
A first-rounder in 2022, the guard suffered a knee injury so severe last December that he needed to learn how to walk again. Needless to say, it’s been an arduous recovery from the torn patellar tendon.
“It was crazy,” Strange said. “I felt like a baby deer. It was awkward as hell. The only thing that goes on with it is just doing it. Walking with crutches and then walking without them. Forcing yourself not to limp – not to go onto the right leg. It’s not the same, but it’s kind of the same with football. It’s just doing it.”
Since returning to practice last month, Strange has worked exclusively at center. He’d only played guard under Bill Belichick during his first two seasons in Foxborough, but vowed to be ready to start at his new spot if his number is called on Saturday afternoon.
“I’m fired up for the opportunity, honestly,” Strange told Karen Guregian. “I feel like I’ve been working for this for a year now. And I’m just excited for the opportunity, really.
“The position I’m in, is really no different than the position that a lot of guys across the league are in, coming back from injury. Maybe they’ve had a week or so of practice, I’ve had multiple weeks. I’m in a new position, so I’m still sort of figuring it out, but I’ve had plenty of time … I feel very prepared.”
If the Patriots don’t think Strange is ready, they can turn to Smith, who they’ve used as a jumbo tight end at times. A sixth-rounder in 2022, the 26-year-old has been with five different NFL organizations, but the Cardinals are the only other team he’s appeared in a game with.
