New England Patriots center and team captain David Andrews has confirmed he will miss the rest of the 2024 season after suffering a significant shoulder injury. The 32-year-old fan favorite was sidelined during the Patriots’ Week 4 game against the San Francisco 49ers, forcing him to make a difficult decision: try to play through the pain or opt for season-ending surgery.
Ultimately, Andrews chose to undergo surgery, ending his season but giving him the best chance for a full recovery. He is now focused on returning to the team for the 2025 season, a decision that weighed heavily on his mind as he assessed the long-term impact of the injury.
“I feel like I’m making the best decision for myself and, more importantly, for my football career,” Andrews shared on his Quick Snap podcast with co-host and former teammate Brian Hoyer.
Before the injury, Andrews had played 1,607 consecutive snaps, a streak dating back to November 2022. However, after sustaining a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder—the same shoulder he had surgery on following the 2021 season—continuing to play wasn’t an option.
“In 2021, I did both labrums, the same rotator cuff, and my bicep. This time, I’ve torn the rotator cuff in the muscle,” Andrews explained. “They’re going to put a sheath over it and hope the muscles regrow. It’s not 100 percent guaranteed, but it gives me the best shot to keep my football career alive. That’s all I can ask for.”
Andrews sought advice from former Patriots team physician Dr. Matt Provencher, who, along with other medical experts, confirmed that surgery was the most prudent option to ensure a healthy return for 2025.
Despite the surgery being the best path forward, Andrews admitted the decision was still “frustrating” and emotionally taxing.
“It’s tough. This game has been so good to me, but it does take a lot from you—your time, your family, your friends,” he said. “You try to give your best to this game, but sometimes it shows its harsh side. This is one of those moments, but like anything in life, it teaches you resilience, and that’s why I love this game.”
While the Patriots will miss Andrews’ leadership and presence on the field, both he and the team remain hopeful for a strong recovery and a return to action in 2025.
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