{"id":81807,"date":"2020-03-08T11:11:46","date_gmt":"2020-03-08T15:11:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=81807"},"modified":"2020-03-09T06:58:51","modified_gmt":"2020-03-09T10:58:51","slug":"david-andrews-optimistic-2020-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2020\/03\/08\/david-andrews-optimistic-2020-return\/","title":{"rendered":"David Andrews Optimistic About 2020 Return"},"content":{"rendered":"

New England Patriots<\/a> center\u00a0David Andrews<\/a><\/strong> missed the entirety of the 2019 season with blood clots, but he should be back for 2020. According to ESPN’s\u00a0Mike Reiss<\/strong><\/a>, the former undrafted free agent has “expressed optimism” about returning and is in “excellent condition”. While plenty of things can change between now and the start of the regular season, having Andrews back should be a much-needed boost to New England’s offense.<\/p>\n

David Andrews Optimistic About Returning in 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When he’s healthy, David Andrews is one of the best centers in the league. Initially entering the league as an undrafted free agent, Andrews steadily improved before becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber center in 2017 and 2018. Andrews was one of the most important parts to New England’s Super Bowl run in 2018, as his elite blocking helped shut down\u00a0Aaron Donald<\/a><\/strong> in the Super Bowl and Kansas City’s ferocious pass rush in the AFC Championship Game.<\/p>\n

In Andrews’ absence, the Patriots turned to former sixth-round pick\u00a0Ted Karras<\/a><\/strong> to start at center. A guard by trade, Karras managed to do an adequate job but never quite matched Andrews’ level of play. Additionally, Ted Karras is now a free agent and is expected to receive a hefty pay raise on the open market. With\u00a0Joe Thuney<\/a><\/strong> also an unrestricted free agent, New England’s offensive line could look dramatically different in 2020. If Andrews can come back, he can instantly solve the issues at center.<\/p>\n

Even if Andrews finds his old form, the Patriots still need to find someone to start at left guard. Joe Thuney is probably going to cost too much to retain, and there aren’t too many inspiring options expected to hit free agency. The Patriots currently have former fourth-round pick\u00a0Hjalte Froholdt<\/strong> on the roster but could also invest a Day 2 pick in someone like\u00a0Cesar Ruiz<\/strong><\/a> out of Michigan. Ruiz has experience at both center and guard and should be able to contribute right out of the gate.<\/p>\n

Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>