Patriots activate David Andrews, flex two from practice squad ahead of 49ers matchup

On the eve of Sunday’s meeting with the San Francisco 49ers, the New England Patriots activated center David Andrews from injured reserve and flexed two from the practice squad.

Andrews, 28, returned to practice on Wednesday, opening the 21-day window to return to the 53-man roster. The team captain missed three starts after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured right thumb in late September. Prior to then, Andrews had played every offensive snap.

In additional movement, the Patriots designated defensive tackle Nick Thurman as a Covid-19 replacement and outside linebacker Tashawn Bower as a standard elevation.

Thurman, 25, has appeared in three contests for New England this campaign. The University of Houston product stands with three tackles through 29 downs on defense. A standard elevation against the Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders before reverting to the scout team, Thurman then served as a replacement against the Denver Broncos.

The matchup with San Francisco will mark the initial call-up of the season for Bower. A member of the New England practice squad since last November, Bower originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017. Over seven career games, the 25-year-old out of LSU has recorded seven tackles and one sack.

Interior offensive lineman James Ferentz remains on the Covid-19 reserve list, while nose tackle Beau Allen and rookie linebacker Josh Uche both remain on injured reserve for Week 7.

Kickoff between New England and San Francisco is set for 4:25 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium.