David Andrews to Have Surgery, ‘Probably’ Done For 2024

The New England Patriots lost to the San Francisco 49ers 30-13 on Sunday. But their biggest loss of the day appears to have come via injury. Starting center David Andrews exited the game after only nine offensive snaps and did not return. On Wednesday, head coach Jerod Mayo disclosed that Andrews will undergo surgery for the shoulder injury he sustained in San Francisco. Mayo stated New England would place the team captain on injured reserve and that he was “probably” done for the year.

Andrews appeared in all 17 games for New England in 2023. He played 200 more offensive snaps (1,051) than any other Patriots player. As the offensive line’s leader on and off the field, his absence will be a big blow to a unit that cannot afford more turmoil. Nick Leverett, who replaced Andrews on Sunday, is expected to take his place on the first unit.

New England signed David Andrews as an undrafted free agent from Georgia in 2015. He is tied with long snapper Joe Cardona for the longest-tenured New England Patriots. He missed the 2019 season due to blood clots but has otherwise appeared in 136 out of a possible 147 games, including the postseason.

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The Patriots do not have anyone else with NFL experience playing center on either their 53-man roster or practice squad aside from Leverett. Rookie Bryan Hudson, an undrafted rookie from Louisville, is a center on the practice squad who could be promoted.

Injury Woes for New England

David Andrews joins a lengthy list of injured Patriots this season. The offensive line has been hit particularly hard. Interior offensive lineman Jake Andrews went on season-ending IR before the season began. Guard Cole Strange started the season on the PUP list and remains far from a return. Guard Sidy Sow missed the first three games with an ankle injury. Starting left tackle Vederian Lowe has been unable to start in three of four games. Offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor left the team after one game. Offensive tackle Caedan Wallace was also injured on Sunday and could miss time.

Elsewhere on the roster, Christian Barmore, Kendrick Bourne, Sione Takitaki, and Marte Mapu are among the Patriots players yet to appear in 2024. Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley tore his pec and is likely lost for the rest of the season. Edge defender Oshane Ximines is on IR and outside linebacker Anfernee Jenning was out for Week 4. Safety Kyle Dugger was also injured against San Francisco and is expected to miss some time.

The New England Patriots came into the season projected by many to be battling for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft instead of a playoff spot. That was before an abundance of bad luck put the team at a further disadvantage. There is something to be said for a “next man up” mentality on a team, but David Andrews brings experience and leadership that are not easily replaced. Not to mention, the Patriots are running low on “next men” at the moment.