Patriots Daily: David Andrews Absence Explained; Judon Returns

The New England Patriots continued getting prepared for the 2024 season when they returned to training camp sessions on Thursday. Linebacker Matthew Judon was back in action and a full participant. He left practice on Monday, apparently unhappy about his contract situation, and was not at the facilities on Tuesday. There was also clarification on the recent absences of team captain David Andrews. Both veterans are key players for the Patriots. Having things trending in a positive direction for both is a good sign.

What Brought Judon Back?

Judon returning to practice on Thursday was a bit of a surprise. He had words with Jerod Mayo, Matt Groh, and Eliot Wolf before leaving Monday’s practice. He stayed away from camp on Tuesday. Judon took to social media as well. He stated that reports that the Patriots made him a new contract offer were untrue and an attempt to make him look bad. It is unclear if he was suggesting the team or the report were the ones trying to make him look bad.

No they haven’t but it makes me look bad again. Don’t believe the lies

— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) July 31, 2024

Things were trending in the wrong direction for those who hoped to see Matthew Judon remain in a New England Patriots uniform. The guess here is that the team told Judon the situation would be resolved with either a contract extension or a trade as long as he returned to practice. Again, it is simply a guess at this point. Judon did not talk to the media and head coach Jerod Mayo stated that he expected Judon at practice. The franchise giving Judon an extension with him participating in practice certainly looks better for both sides than holding them hostage for a new deal with a holdout. Stay tuned.

Good News for the Andrews Family

David Andrews has been absent from practice for the start of the week but returned yesterday. The cause was unknown, and then known only as “personal reasons.” Andrews announced yesterday that the cause of his absence was the health of his baby boy. Andrews’ son had been at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence since Sunday night. Fortunately, the diagnosis was a virus, and “all is good” according to an Instagram post from Andrews. His son was discharged from the hospital and back home. That is truly the best news from yesterday’s camp.

via David Andrews Instagram account

Also in Friday’s Patriots Daily:

Patriots Fact of the Day

David Andrews ranks sixth in New England Patriots franchise history for most games played by an undrafted free agent. He could move as high as fourth in 2024. The UDFA leaderboard:

160 Adam Vinatieri
152 Gino Cappelletti
141 Lonie Paxton
127 Larry Izzo
124 Steve King
120 David Andrews

Post of the Day

The true “Post of the Day” was listed above, the positive health update on David Andrews’ baby boy. Since that was already mentioned, a more light-hearted post of the New England Patriots media team competing against players in rock, paper, scissors:

🪨🗒️✂️ pic.twitter.com/QgI8aKsFWS

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 1, 2024

Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Mike Purcell – For the second time this week, the New England Patriots have added a veteran defensive tackle to their roster. Mike Purcell played the past five years with the Denver Broncos. It appears the team is planning to begin the 2024 season without Christian Barmore, or at least have contingency plans in place if that happens.

Alex Austin Feeling Comfortable in Second Season With Pats – 2023 saw Austin get drafted and waived by the Buffalo Bills. He was signed and released by the Houston Texans. It appears the cornerback has found a home in New England.

PFN Mid-Week Mailbag: How Can the Patriots Offense Improve? – What will help New England’s offense gain more yardage in 2024? Where does rookie Layden Robinson fit into the team’s plans? Could the Patriots end up with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? These questions and more are in this week’s mailbag.

NFL Coverage

NFL.com – Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert diagnosed with plantar fascia in his right foot. The painful injury is expected to limit the QB for the time being. However, Herbert is projected to be ready for Week 1 as the Chargers try to rebound from their 5-12 record in 2023.

Steelers Now – Good news for the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers at training camp. Rookie Roman Wilson avoided a major injury after a scare. In training camp, Van Jefferson showed up big while star George Pickens continued to heat up. How does Pittsburgh always seem to have such good receivers?

Yahoo! Sports – The Hall of Fame Game got canceled with 3:37 remaining in the third quarter. The Chicago Bears beat the Houston Texans 21-17 in the weather-shortened game. Quarterback Brett Rypien was the star of the game in the NFL’s first action of 2024.

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now – The Boston Bruins are in a down period. The NHL Draft and the first wave of free agency has passed. Training camp has yet to arrive. But there is still plenty happening, from new uniform numbers to trade rumors, and BHN has it all covered.

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