Cole Strange of the Patriots is anticipated to miss the bulk of the 2024 season due to an injury.
Cole Strange, the starting left guard, may be out until the middle of the season after sustaining a knee injury in the Chiefs’ Week 15 defeat last year.
Cole Strange, the starting left guard for the Patriots, is anticipated to miss the opening of the 2024 campaign, a source told the Boston Herald.
Strange might be out until the middle of the season after sustaining a knee injury during the Patriots’ Week 15 loss to the Chiefs in the previous campaign. Strange’s timeline was originally reported by NFL Media.
This information was released just one day after Strange attended the Patriots’ first organized team practice of the spring Monday, but he did not take part in it. Strange, dressed in sweats, watched the session.
Regarding Strange’s status, Coach Jerod Mayo said, “He’s more of a, let’s say, week-by-week or you can go month-by-month if you want to.” “Yet he is putting in a lot of effort at his rehabilitation, you know. He is in attendance each and every day. Since he is in the meeting room, I am content with his location.
Strange, the 2022 first-round selection of the Patriots, suffered a knee injury on the first day of padded practices during training camp last summer, which prevented him from playing in the 2023 season. He also suffered a knee injury in the middle of the season that kept him out of three games.
Sidy Sow, a 2023 fourth-round selection, replaced Strange at left guard on Monday during the OTAs. Nick Leverett was at right guard, Chukwuma Okorafor was at left tackle, David Andrews was at center, and Mike Onwenu was at right tackle. In 2024, Sow is anticipated to begin at one of the guard positions. Layden Robinson, a 2024 fourth-round pick, and Atonio Mafi are other contenders to start at guard.
Despite his injuries, Strange had a difficult rookie season but performed admirably in 2023. In Week 10 of the previous season, he had the seventh-best overall PFF grade among eligible guards. His availability in Year 3 will now be impacted by his injury from last season. After the 2024 season, the Patriots have to decide if they want to exercise his fifth-year option.
This offseason, the Patriots signed long-term extensions to defensive tackle Christian Barmore and safety Kyle Dugger, keeping two of their best players and defenders.
So how do the Pats’ best players improve?
“Just maintain consistency. After Monday’s OTA practice, Dugger, 27, said, “Lead by example.” “Step forward and lend a hand wherever I can. not try to do everything; just take care of what needs to be done. Assist the younger guys in their endeavors and similar things.
Barmore’s message was more direct.
“Everywhere on the D-line, playing,” declared the 24-year-old. “Dominate everywhere I go.”
Promotion
Barmore signed the highest-paid contract ever given to a player for the Patriots who isn’t Tom Brady last month. He was signed to a four-year, $84 million contract by the front office, with $41.8 million guaranteed. Coming off a career year, Barmore, who turns 25 in July, is entering the prime of his career.
Last season, the 2021 second-round pick recorded 64 tackles, six pass deflections, 8.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. After recording a career-high six starts the previous season, he is anticipated to start every game this season. Although the 6-foot-5, 315-pound player’s run defense has greatly improved, his pass rush and versatility are what ultimately earned him a contract.
Barmore also has no intention of stopping just yet.
“I want to be bigger than ever and raise my game to new heights. Be a badass, he exclaimed. “My game should speak for itself. Simply carrying out my coaches’ instructions and supporting my teammates.
Dugger, who turns 28 this summer, came to an agreement on a four-year, $58 million extension after being awarded the transition tag, which set off difficult talks. Early in April, the negotiations came to an agreement.
To be honest, it’s a relief, he stated. If I’m being honest, you can’t ignore it entirely, try as you might. That just kind of sits there all the time. Try as you might to concentrate on the field and other similar things. But once you’ve reached a consensus, all that’s left to do is return to the field, resume your work, and concentrate on anything that will improve your performance heading into the upcoming season.
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