The New England Patriots can breathe a sigh of relief, following Cole Strange’s leg injury at Monday’s training camp practice.
It was the first practice for the Patriots in pads, and Strange went down in one-on-one reps, when working with veteran defensive tackle Lawrence Guy. Per NESN’s Zack Cox, Strange immediately grabbed his knee after the play and was taken to the athletic training shed.
However, Strange’s injury is “not serious,” according to a report from The Boston Globe’s Christopher Price.
The Patriots should be counting their blessings after avoiding a surefire disaster with their 2022 first-round draft pick. Right guard Michael Onwenu is already sidelined with an ankle injury, and backup guard Chasen Hines was banged up at Monday’s practice as well.
Rookie fifth-round draft pick Atonio Mafi could be the next man up if Strange misses time. He stepped up to join an offensive unit that was barely recognizable with so many absences.
Staying healthy and finding some blocking consistency up front will be equally as important as Mac Jones and the skilled players hitting their stride. Strange, who played in 94 percent of the offensive snaps last season, will continue to play a big role in that.
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