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According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Patriots guard Cole Strange is expected to miss the start of the 2024 season. Rapoport also mentioned that Strange may not be ready until the middle of next season.

It is awful news for the Patriots and for Strange. Now we know why Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was so non-committal yesterday when it came to a time table on when Strange will be back.

Mayo said on Monday that Strange’s return timeframe isn’t weeks but rather months.

“He is another guy, you would normally say day-by-day. He’s more of a, let’s say, week-by-week or you can go month-by-month if you want to. But he is working hard, you know, he is doing his rehab. He is here every day. He is in the meeting room, so I am happy where he is.”

If Strange is not ready for training camp the team can place him on PUP, and then leave him on that list during roster cut downs rather than activating him and moving him to IR. In that case, Strange wouldn’t be eligible to return until Week 5.

It has been a tumultuous first two years for Strange in the NFL. We have seen flashes of potential but inconsistency and injuries have also marred his tenure with the Patriots thus far. 

Based on Rapoport’s report, the Layden Robinson pick in last month’s draft makes more sense now. The Patriots clearly do not think Strange will be ready by the season opener and yesterday’s report confirmed that.