The Patriots' first week of padded practices has been quite a roller coaster, with plenty of good for fans to be excited about. Yet there have also been some concerns coming out of Foxboro due to the piling up of injuries and inconsistent performances from key players, with the offensive line being the most worrisome midweek.
Tuesday's practice was particularly problematic, as center Garrett Bradbury and right tackle Morgan Moses both left with apparent injuries. Moses was back on Wednesday, but Bradbury remained absent, leaving others to fill in at center, including, apparently, newly signed Alec Lindstrom.
While bringing in another seasoned veteran is a solid move, regardless of the injury, it likely explains the decision to do so. However, there are growing concerns about who will be the starting center in Week 1, especially since those competing for the role have yet to solidify it. Rookie Jared Wilson has been used more at left guard.
Due to the uncertainty, fans are urging the team to reinstate the tried and true David Andrews, despite his earlier retirement announcement this offseason.
I think I know just who to call to solve the #Patriots problem at center… pic.twitter.com/YcuzHoR35J
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) July 30, 2025
Should the Patriots make a call to David Andrews to boost their offensive line?
Going into the 2025 offseason, there was a belief that Andrews would remain as the starting center on the offensive line, coming off a season-ending injury last year. So it was shocking when it was announced that he was released, and he revealed he still intended to continue his career, even if that meant he would play for another team.
Due to the uproar over his release, numerous questions arose about the decision, which reports attributed to the shoulder injury sustained last season. That inevitably led to Andrews announcing his retirement a few months ago. But now fans are calling for him to return.
Is that even a possibility, though?
That's not clear, but based on what Andrews said during his retirement announcement, the injury has impacted his performance more than he was anticipating, which wouldn't be much help for the Patriots' offensive line. If he can't be the player he once was, then it may not make sense for the Patriots to inquire about his availability.
On top of that, Wilson has received rave reviews from Patriots coaches and his teammates, and his given position is center, despite being utilized at left guard for most practices at training camp so far. That is significant and could easily mean that he would be the best choice to have as the starting center, ultimately lessening the calls for a player like Andrews to return.
There are also free agent options to consider, if there is a need to, which might be the more realistic option at this point.