FOXBORO — Patriots defensive tackle stole headlines this week with his return to practice after missing most of training camp and the first 10 weeks of the season with blood clots.

But the Patriots are expected to get an offensive boost by the end of the season, as well.

Head coach Jerod Mayo said offensive linemen Cole Strange and Caedan Wallace are still expected to return this season.

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Strange has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp after suffering a knee injury near the end of last season. Wallace has been on injured reserve since Week 4 with an ankle injury.

When healthy, Strange can provide depth at guard or center. Depending on how left guard Michael Jordan or center Ben Brown are performing by the time he returns, it’s possible the 2022 first-round pick to regain a starting role.

Demontrey Jacobs has strung together three impressive games at right tackle, so the Patriots might not be in a hurry to take him out of the top offensive line. But Wallace is likely the future at that position as a 2024 third-round pick. So, it’s at least worth plugging him in as a jumbo tight end.

Cornerback Alex Austin has also returned to practice off of injured reserve, though he has not been activated yet.