Lester Cotton was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots after being released by the Miami Dolphins, where he primarily contributed on special teams this season. Despite starting eight games last year, he couldn't secure a starting position this season while Isaiah Wynn recovered from injury. Cotton now joins a Patriots team that could soon be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, alongside former Dolphins players Davon Godchaux and Jacoby Brissett.

Lester Cotton was waived by the Dolphins to make room for Isaiah Wynn on the 53-man roster.

Lester Cotton took over at left guard after Robert Jones left the game against the Rams due to a knee injury. He is expected to start against the Las Vegas Raiders, even if Isaiah Wynn returns to practice, as it may be too much to ask Wynn to start after just a few practices.

Lester Cotton stepped in to fill a critical role on the offensive line during Thompson's playoff start, making only his second NFL appearance. His performance was impacted by the difficult circumstances, including a makeshift unit that struggled against the Bills' pass rush. Cotton's inexperience contributed to the challenges Thompson faced, as he was pressured and sacked multiple times, illustrating the adverse effects of an underperforming offensive line on the quarterback's ability to execute plays effectively.

Lester Cotton stepped in as the replacement left guard after Robert Jones exited the game due to injury. His presence was part of a struggling offensive line that faced significant pressure during the second half of the loss to the Bills.