Patriots keep looking for offensive line help even with Cole Strange returning to practice

The New England Patriots offensive line received a boost this week: former first-round draft pick Cole Strange, a 27-game starter at left guard who also might factor into the center mix, returned to practice on Wednesday. It was his first time back on the field since tearing his patellar tendon last December.

What the future has in store for Strange, and how quickly he can return to game shape, will be seen. That uncertainty might be why New England keeps looking for help along the offensive line even with him back in the fold.

Earlier this week — when the team already could have anticipated Strange’s return to practice — the Patriots took a look at two free agent linemen. They worked out…