Patriots offensive lineman Cole Strange will return to practice Wednesday, head coach Jerod Mayo announced Wednesday.

Strange has not played or practiced since suffering a knee injury in December last season. Strange began the season on the physically unable to perform list. After practicing, the Patriots will have a 21-day window to activate him to the 53-man roster.

The Patriots currently have an open spot on their 53-man roster.

Mayo wouldn’t confirm if Strange will play guard or center, but he has the flexibility to line up at either position. Mayo praised captain David Andrews, who’s out for the season with a shoulder injury, for helping prepare Strange at center.

Strange, a 2022 first-round pick, has exclusively started at left guard throughout his NFL career, starting 27 games in two seasons.

The Patriots are currently starting Michael Jordan at left guard and Ben Brown at center. Jordan currently ranks 76 out of 81 qualified guards with a 50.8 PFF grade. Brown ranks last among 41 qualified centers with a 47.1 PFF grade. So, it’s possible that Strange could provide an immediate upgrade at either position.

Left tackle Vederian Lowe and right tackle Demontrey Jacobs rank 61st and 77th, respectively, out of 81 qualified offensive tackles in PFF grade. Right guard Mike Onwenu ranks 35th among guards.