FOXBOROUGH – With a cast that stretched from above the ankle to the middle of the thigh, life became uncomfortable for Cole Strange.

After suffering from a torn patellar tendon last season, Strange’s road to recovery was not easy. After the operation, which left him with a vertical scar on his right knee Patriots offensive lineman was placed in a large cast that kept his leg straight. Simple things like getting into a car or going to the toilet required help.

Then when the cast came off, Strange, 26, had to learn to walk again.

“It was crazy,” Strange said. “I felt like a fawn. It was hard as hell. The only thing that happens with it is just doing it. Walking with crutches and then walking without them. Force yourself not to limp—not to walk on your right leg. It is not the same, but it’s about the same with football, it’s just doing it.”

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After suffering the injury on December 17, 2023, Strange returned and trained for the first time in 11 months this week. He said the injury brought about a newfound perspective on what football means to him. Although this week was just a small step, Strange is happy to be back with the sport he loves.

“Man, it’s been a lot longer than I wanted it to be. Honestly, it’s been really tough and really aggravating,” Strange said. “I never wanted this to happen, but the silver lining is that it gave me a very good perspective and more so appreciative of where I am. I feel very well going forward. Everything I needed to learn to do – even walk. To squat, run, jump. I felt very uncomfortable at first. I just kept hammering at it. I feel fine. I am convinced that the same thing will happen with ball.”

Strange practiced for the first time on Wednesday. Right now, he is limited to position drills. In time, he will work his way into the Patriots offensive line where he can play guard or center. At this point, Strange doesn’t know when he’ll be able to play in a game but believes he’ll get there soon.

On Thursday, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said the Patriots will determine where Strange will play in the coming weeks. After starting center David Andrews was lost for the season, Strange was approached about playing the center position. While rehabbing, he worked with Andrews inside Gillette Stadium to get ready to play the center position.

For Strange, the knee injury was a blow to the stomach. A first-round pick in 2022, Strange started for the Patriots at left guard immediately. Last year, however, everything started to come together.

After his injury, Bill Belichick noted, “I think he’s played his best football lately.”

“It was very frustrating because I felt the same way,” Strange said. “I felt like for the first time in the league I got into the groove. My rookie year I felt like I got better and by the end of the year I was playing better. Then last year I was injured on and off all year. But then at the end I felt I that it kind of clicked with me. It was extremely difficult. But it is what it is and here we are.”