Patriots' David Andrews to Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery, Team Faces Significant Lineup Changes

New England Patriots center and longtime team captain David Andrews will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, a decision announced by head coach Jerod Mayo on Wednesday. Andrews suffered the injury during the Patriots' Week 4 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and will likely be placed on injured reserve.

Andrews, who has been a cornerstone of the Patriots' offensive line since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2015, is known for his toughness and leadership. He has been an eight-year captain and has played a crucial role in the team's communication across the front line. 'It's definitely a huge loss,' Mayo said, highlighting Andrews' importance to the team.

The injury occurred during the first series of the game against the 49ers, and Andrews was replaced by four-year veteran Nick Leverett. Leverett, who signed with the Patriots as a free agent in March, is expected to start in Andrews' place. Mayo expressed optimism about Leverett's performance, saying, 'I thought Nick did a decent job stepping in there. Now that he'll get more reps during practice, you expect him to continue to get better every day'.

Impact on the Patriots' Offensive Line

The loss of Andrews exacerbates the challenges faced by the Patriots' offensive line, which has already been dealing with injuries and inconsistent performance. The team has had four different starters at left tackle in the first four weeks, with players like Vederian Lowe and Caedan Wallace battling ailments. The offensive line has allowed the highest pressure rate in the NFL this season, at 47.4 percent.

Andrews had considered playing through the injury but ultimately decided against it to ensure he could return for the 2025 season. His decision reflects his commitment to the team and his own future in the NFL. 'Being hurt is a very frustrating thing, especially when you want to be out there playing,' Andrews said on his 'Quick Snap Podcast' earlier this week.

Potential Changes at Running Back

In addition to the changes on the offensive line, the Patriots are also considering a switch at running back. Coach Jerod Mayo indicated that Antonio Gibson might replace Rhamondre Stevenson as the starting running back due to Stevenson's fumbling issues in the first four games. 'We can't preach ball security is job security and still have him out there the majority of the time,' Mayo said, emphasizing the importance of ball security.

Stevenson, who has started the first four games, has played 159 snaps and rushed for 267 yards and two touchdowns on 65 carries. Gibson, the top backup, has played 71 snaps and totaled 29 carries for 155 yards along with seven receptions for 82 yards. The decision to switch running backs is part of the team's broader effort to address performance issues and ensure the best lineup for upcoming games.

The Patriots will also see the return of several players from injury, including wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, linebacker Sione Takitaki, and safety/linebacker Marte Mapu, who will practice for the first time on Wednesday after starting the season on the physically unable to perform and injured reserve lists.

David Andrews' career with the Patriots has been marked by significant achievements, including winning two Super Bowls and being named a member of the franchise's All-2010s team. His absence will be deeply felt, but the team is committed to moving forward with a 'next man up' mentality.

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