Center Ben Brown is officially inactive due to a concussion, which opens the door for former first-round draft pick Cole Strange to get his first start at center for the team. Lecitus Smith is the other option on the roster for the Patriots.

FOXBORO -- Cole Strange may make his return for the New England Patriots on Saturday, and he'd do so in a new position. With starting center Ben Brown already ruled out for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium, Strange will likely be the man snapping the football to Drake Maye in Week 17.

"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." The post Cole Strange nearing a return for Patriots … at center? appeared first on Boston.

New England Patriots guard Cole Strange is ready to step in as the starting center if Ben Brown isn’t able to play in Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — With starter Ben Brown in concussion protocol, it’s a good bet either Cole Strange or Lecitus Smith will be under center for the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.