IR Announcement on Official Site for the New England Patriots

On a Tuesday afternoon ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the New England Patriots’ official website posted a critical roster update: starting left guard Cole Strange has been placed on Injured Reserve (IR) with a Grade 3 calf strain, an injury suffered during the Patriots’ Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The announcement, which included a statement from head coach Bill Belichick and a timeline for Strange’s recovery (4-6 weeks), marks the latest in a string of offensive line injuries for the Patriots this season—following earlier stints on IR for backup tackle Conor McDermott and center David Andrews (who has since returned). For a team already struggling to protect quarterback Mac Jones (sacked 21 times through 8 games) and stabilize its run game (ranking 24th in the NFL with 92 rushing yards per game), Strange’s absence threatens to deepen existing challenges. IR Announcement on Official Site for the New England Patriots breaks down the details of the injury, the team’s response, and what the move means for the Patriots’ playoff hopes.

The official site’s announcement provided key context about Strange’s injury and recovery timeline, which Belichick described as “disappointing but necessary to ensure a full return.” According to the team’s medical staff, Strange sustained the calf strain in the third quarter of Sunday’s game, when he planted his left leg to block Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa and immediately grabbed his lower leg in pain. Initial tests on Monday confirmed the Grade 3 strain— a severe injury that involves tearing of the calf muscle fibers and typically requires extended rest and rehabilitation. The Patriots’ official statement noted that Strange will begin a structured recovery program this week, with regular updates to be shared via the team’s website and social media channels. “Cole has been a steady presence on our offensive line since we drafted him in 2022,” Belichick said in the announcement. “He works extremely hard, and we’ll support him fully through his recovery. Our focus now is on adjusting our lineup to fill the gap he leaves.” The news comes as a blow to Strange, who had finally found consistency this season after a rocky rookie year, earning a 72.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF)—the highest among Patriots offensive linemen. IR Announcement on Official Site for the New England Patriots frames the injury as a significant setback for both the player and the team’s offensive strategy.

Complementing the IR announcement, the Patriots’ official site also detailed roster adjustments to replace Strange, including the promotion of guard Chasen Hines from the practice squad to the active roster and the signing of veteran free agent Alex Redmond to the practice squad. Hines, a 2022 sixth-round pick out of LSU, has spent most of his NFL career on the practice squad but saw limited action in three games last season, primarily on special teams. The official site highlighted Hines’ strength (he bench-pressed 34 reps of 225 pounds at the 2022 NFL Combine) and familiarity with the Patriots’ zone-blocking scheme as key reasons for his promotion. Redmond, meanwhile, brings 43 games of NFL experience (with 29 starts) to the practice squad, having played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Houston Texans. The Patriots’ official statement noted that Redmond will serve as a “depth option” while Hines takes on the starting role. “Chasen has earned this opportunity with his work in practice and his understanding of our system,” offensive line coach Adrian Klemm said in the announcement. “Alex adds valuable experience to our group, and we’re glad to have him on board. These moves help us maintain continuity on the offensive line during Cole’s absence.” IR Announcement on Official Site for the New England Patriots explores how these roster tweaks aim to mitigate the impact of Strange’s injury.

For the New England Patriots, Strange’s placement on IR is more than just a roster move—it’s a test of the team’s offensive line depth at a critical point in the season. Through eight games, the Patriots have already used seven different starting offensive line combinations due to injuries, and Strange’s absence will force yet another adjustment. Hines, who has never started an NFL game, will now be tasked with protecting Jones’ blind side alongside left tackle Trent Brown—a role that requires quick decision-making and the ability to block elite pass rushers (like the Ravens’ Odafe Oweh, whom the Patriots face in Week 9). The Patriots’ official site acknowledged this challenge but emphasized confidence in Hines’ preparation. “Chasen has been studying our playbook and working with our coaches every day,” Klemm said in the announcement. “He knows what’s expected of him, and we’ll be there to support him every step of the way.” For the New England Patriots, the success of Hines and the adjusted offensive line will likely determine whether they can turn their season around—currently sitting at 4-4, they trail the Miami Dolphins by two games in the AFC East. A struggling offensive line could derail their playoff push, especially against a Ravens defense that ranks 10th in the NFL in sacks (23). IR Announcement on Official Site for the New England Patriots examines how the team’s depth will be put to the test in the weeks ahead.

The official site’s IR announcement also included reactions from teammates and coaches, which highlighted Strange’s impact on and off the field. Jones, who has developed a strong rapport with Strange over the past two seasons, expressed support for his lineman in a quote featured on the site. “Cole is one of the hardest workers on this team, and he’s always has my back out there,” Jones said. “It’s tough to see him go down, but I know he’ll come back stronger. In the meantime, we’ve got to step up as a unit and make sure we’re protecting the ball and moving the chains.” Defensive captain Matthew Judon, who has faced Strange in practice countless times, echoed Jones’ sentiment, noting that Strange’s leadership will be missed in the locker room. “Cole’s not just a good player—he’s a great teammate,” Judon said in the announcement. “He brings energy every day, and he’s always helping the young guys. We’ll hold it down for him until he’s back.” For the New England Patriots, these reactions underscore the importance of team culture during challenging times—while injuries are never ideal, the Patriots’ ability to rally around one another has long been a hallmark of their success. The official site’s inclusion of these quotes also serves to keep fans connected to the team’s mindset, reinforcing transparency about both the struggles and the resolve of the roster. IR Announcement on Official Site for the New England Patriots highlights how the team is leveraging unity to navigate adversity.

As the Patriots prepare for Week 9, the IR announcement on their official site serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NFL—and the need for constant adaptation. While Strange’s injury is a setback, the team’s proactive roster moves (promoting Hines, signing Redmond) and transparent communication with fans reflect a commitment to competitiveness. The official site has since followed up the initial announcement with practice updates, including footage of Hines working with Klemm on blocking drills and Redmond learning the Patriots’ playbook. For fans, this ongoing coverage helps ease concerns about the offensive line and provides a sense of continuity amid change. Looking ahead, the Patriots’ ability to overcome Strange’s absence will depend on a combination of Hines’ development, Redmond’s experience, and the leadership of veterans like Brown and Andrews. If the offensive line can stabilize, the Patriots still have a chance to climb back into the AFC East race and contend for a playoff spot. If not, the 2028 season could quickly slip away. IR Announcement on Official Site for the New England Patriots concludes by noting that while injuries are an inevitable part of football, the Patriots’ response—rooted in preparation, depth, and transparency—will define how they weather this latest storm. As always, the team’s official site will remain the primary source for updates on Strange’s recovery and the team’s ongoing adjustments, keeping fans informed every step of the way.