FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots center David Andrews will undergo shoulder surgery and likely miss the rest of the season, coach Jerod Mayo announced Wednesday, adding that he is considering starting running back Antonio Gibson over Rhamondre Stevenson against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday after Stevenson's early-season fumbling issues.
Mayo cited Andrews' toughness and leadership as an eight-year captain while also noting how his communication is critical for the offensive line. «It's definitely a huge loss,» Mayo said, adding that Andrews will remain around the team and possibly help in the future in a coaching-type role.
Andrews left Sunday's 30-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers after the first series and was replaced by four-year veteran Nick Leverett.
The Patriots had signed Leverett, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, to a one-year contract as a free agent in March. «I thought Nick did a decent job stepping in there.