FOXBORO — The New England Patriots’ beleaguered offensive line finally has a crucial piece back in action on the practice field.
The Pats held a light afternoon practice on the lower practice field by Gillette Stadium on Sunday, that was briefly delayed by rain passing over the area. Compared to a full training camp practice, there wasn’t a ton to glean from the session, which was closed to the public but open to the media.
But either way, it was huge for the team to get starting left guard Cole Strange back working with his teammates. Strange was both present at Sunday’s practice and participating in early positional and team drills, before rain swept through and Bill Belichick decided to take the team inside.
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Strange was initially injured during the Patriots’ fifth open practice of training camp on July 31. He worked with trainers on his left leg/knee area for the remainder of practice that day. The Boston Globe’s Christopher Price later
— Christopher Price (@cpriceglobe) July 31, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported that Strange’s injury is considered “not serious.”The Patriots have since held eight more practices that they’ve opened to the media, Sunday’s being the 13th overall. Strange missed seven practices, but occasionally appeared during team drills as an observer, and was also spotted talking with Belichick the day after he was hurt. So, his injury hasn’t appeared serious throughout the process.
In Strange’s place, rookie guard Atonio Mafi has stepped in at left guard, and also shifted to right guard with Kody Russey sliding in on the left side. It’s been a necessary shuffle, as not only has Strange been out for about two weeks, but incumbent starting right guard Mike Onwenu has been absent throughout the spring and summer as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery.
Tackle Shuffle
Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots tackle Sidy Sow (61) blocks Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) away from quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) during a preseason game at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
The problems still don’t stop there on the Pats’ offensive line. In fact, tackle remains the biggest concern. Left tackle Trent Brown has had a slow start to camp, mostly participating in a limited capacity for unclear reasons. Recently, Brown has been starting to participate more in team drills, including Sunday.
But the more glaring, persistent issue for the Patriots has come on the other end at right tackle. Camp started with Riley Reiff in that spot, but Conor McDermott soon supplanted him.
Now, rookie Sidy Sow appears to be getting a shot. Sow repped with the 1’s at right tackle during 11-on-11 at Sunday’s practice, while McDermott practiced with the 2’s. Sow mainly played left guard at Eastern Michigan, but he had converted from tackle and played both the left and right side in college.
