If there was an NFL tough man award, New England Patriots center David Andrews would be a prime candidate every single season.
The standout offensive lineman was at it again on Tuesday with a shocking return to the practice field, following an ugly thigh injury in Sunday’s win over the New York Jets. Andrews came up with a heavy limp after his leg got tangled up on a play, before he was ultimately helped off the field and back to the locker room.
An initial report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was that Andrews was possibly done for the season. However, he later returned with a slightly more positive report of a potential late-season or postseason return.
Meanwhile, 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Scott Zolak pushed back on the report altogether and even claimed he wouldn’t rule Andrews out for Thursday’s Thanksgiving game against the Minnesota Vikings.
"I think David Andrews might be back quicker than people think… I wouldn't rule him out for Thursday" 👀@scottzolak weighs in on a report that Andrews could be done for the season @ZoandBertrand pic.twitter.com/g2NjoNksiD
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) November 21, 2022
Andrews was reportedly present at the start of practice, and it is not yet known to what level he was able to participate. According to MassLive’s Mark Daniels, the Patriots’ captain underwent an MRI that found something he was willing to play through.
Whether he suits up for Thursday night’s game or not remains to be seen, but for now at least, it would appear as if the situation along the offensive front isn’t as dire as it initially seemed for the Patriots.
