Patriots' Cole Strange is confident in offensive line despite missing 'integral piece'

The New England Patriots will be without one of their top offensive tackles for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. 

Trent Brown, who missed two days of practice before returning on Friday, was ruled inactive prior to the game. And this is a huge blow to the offensive line. 

Knowing this was a possibility, Cole Strange spoke to A to Z Sports about the chance of Brown being sidelined, but reinforced his faith in any of the other players who would have to step up. 

“He’s definitely an integral piece,” Strange said. “But even whenever he’s out, still gotta trust the guy that’s in there for him. So he’s still gonna do his job too.”

“Whether he plays or not, we’re still going to attack it the same way," Strange added, but couldn't help but say one final comment. "Hopefully he does.”

Unfortunately for Strange and the Patriots, the 6-foot-8, 370 point offensive tackle will not suit up. 

Strange has only played in two games this season, while Brown has appeared in five games this year. The offensive line has had their fair share of injuries to deal with and because of that, there have been clear issues. 

Yet, Strange sees improvement from where the group started at the beginning of the year. 

“Yeah, it definitely is," he said. "It takes time and I don’t know about anybody else, but in my experience, I feel like success is rarely a straight line. There’s ups and downs, but ultimately, I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Prior to the decision on Brown, the Patriots elevated Conor McDermott from the practice squad, along with having Vederian Lowe, who was listed as questionable after being on the injury report all week, active and ready to go. 

“I definitely think that, regardless of what happens, I know whoever is going to be stepping up and knows what they’re gonna do, they’re gonna bust their butt to make sure they do as good as they can.”