FOXBORO — The Patriots are allowing offensive lineman Cole Strange focus on switching to center early in his return from the PUP list.

Strange, who suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon injury last December, returned to practice for the first time this season on Wednesday. The 2022 first-round pick has only played left guard during his NFL career, but the Patriots are trying him out at center.

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For right now, just kind of working him at center, because it’s a new progression for him,” offensive line coach Scott Peters said Friday. “But absolutely, I mean, he’ll play both, but the thought was to kind of get a ball in his hands and see how he how he looks.”

The Patriots are taking it slow with Strange. Head coach Jerod Mayo said he’s only been working on individual drills and conditioning this week.

Peters said he’s had no restrictions in individual work before he advances to team drills.

“I will say he looks good. We ran some crossfields the other day and he was out front,” Mayo said. “So he’s definitely in shape or but maybe it’s fresh legs. I don’t know. It’s exciting to have him out there.”

Added Peters, “He looks good. He looks athletic. Pleasantly surprised to see him and happy he’s back.”

Ben Brown has served as the Patriots’ starting center since arriving from the Raiders’ practice squad in Week 6. He replaced Nick Leverett, who filled in at center after starter David Andrews underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Lecitus Smith, who signed from the Packers’ practice squad, is Brown’s backup.

Strange’s old position of left guard is currently being held down by Michael Jordan.