David Andrews medically cleared to play for Patriots in 2020

The Patriots offensive line will get a boost next season.

On Thursday night, Patriots center David Andrews wrote that he was medically cleared to play in this upcoming season. The captain missed all of 2019 due to blood clots in his lungs. The hope was that he would be able to come back, but the final hurdle was medical clearance.

“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 [...]

The Patriots offensive line will get a boost next season.

On Thursday night, Patriots center David Andrews wrote that he was medically cleared to play in this upcoming season. The captain missed all of 2019 due to blood clots in his lungs. The hope was that he would be able to come back, but the final hurdle was medical clearance.

“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,” Andrews wrote on his Instagram account. “During this time there 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.”

The announcement was met with excitement from his teammates, including Jarrett Stidham, who might be in line to replace Tom Brady. Stidham replied with a response in all caps, writing, “LETS GOOOO!!!!”

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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 there 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

A post shared by David Andrews (@bear_6060) on Apr 23, 2020 at 4:25pm PDT

Andrews is not only beloved in the locker room, but he's been a rock for the Patriots offensive line. He made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2015 and started 11 games during his rookie season. Andrews has been a full-time starter since, starting every game played from 2016-to-2018.

When Andrews went down last year, he was replaced by Ted Karras, who signed with the Miami Dolphins this offseason. With Andrews back, the Patriots have the leader of their offensive line back. That'll be important as the Pats move on without long-time offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, who retired this offseason.

mdaniels@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @MarkDanielsPJ