Patriots center David Andrews confirms that he will be good to go for the 2020 season

The New England Patriots’ offense suffered a major loss even before the first snap of the 2019 season: David Andrews, who had served as the team’s center ever since earning a full-time starting position in 2016, was hospitalized in late August and later diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. As a result of the diagnosis, the Patriots were forced to shut their team captain down for the entire season and place him on injured reserve.

While initial reports about Andrews’ recovery process were encouraging, there was no definitive confirmation about his status until earlier today. The veteran lineman took to social media to share a message, essentially confirming that he has been cleared to return to the field for the 2020 season. Andrew’s message reads as follows:

I know 2020 has affected everyone in ways we couldn’t have imagined prior. But with the draft over the next few days a lot of dreams are gonna be realized for a lot of players entering the league. During this time, three has been a lot of time for reflection on the past, present and future. As to the future I’m excited that I’ll have the opportunity to play the game I love again. When and whatever the nfl season looks like I’m just thankful that I’ll be able to get back to competing with my teammates and coaches. Go pats

Andrews returning is obviously very good news for a Patriots offensive line that saw his replacement — Ted Karras — leave in free agency, and also could face some instability at left guard depending on the status of currently franchise-tagged Joe Thuney. As a result, New England could still look to add to its interior offensive line despite the the 27-year-old returning to the fold. Still, the team is in a much more comfortable situation now.