New England Patriots center David Andrews, a nine-year veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion, is expected to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, according to coach Jerod Mayo on Wednesday.
Andrews left Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half and did not return. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett mentioned that he spoke with Andrews, a team captain, on Wednesday morning, and the center was still contemplating whether to attempt playing through the injury.
“When a guy like that goes down, you know it’s not for something minor,” Brissett said. “You wish you had 53 David Andrews.”
The Patriots’ offensive line has struggled significantly this season, with Brissett being sacked 15 times—11 of those coming in the past two games. Three other offensive linemen were listed on last week’s injury report.
Additionally, the team has already placed five players on injured reserve, including captain and linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. Mayo commented, “Being a captain this year feels like the Madden curse.”
The team considered signing a veteran to strengthen the offensive line but ultimately decided against it. Backup Nick Leverett is expected to make his first start of the season against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
“I thought Nick did a solid job stepping in last game,” Mayo said. “With more practice reps, we expect him to improve every day.”
Brissett, who returned to New England after stints with Indianapolis, Miami, Cleveland, and Washington, highlighted his strong connection with Andrews as one reason for his return, noting, “He kinda runs the show out there. I’m just co-hosting.”
Andrews, 32, joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2015 and has spent his entire career with the team. Only long-snapper Joe Cardona, who entered the league the same year, has been with the team since their Super Bowl wins after the 2016 and 2018 seasons.
“I still expect him to be around the building,” Mayo said. “Maybe he’ll be a future coach one day.”
