The Patriots and 49ers game was just beginning to take shape when the Pats received bad news. Center David Andrews took a hit, and suddenly, the air was thick with concern. “NO! Not an irreplaceable player.” Alas, that’s how it is.

Per Evan Lazar of Patriots.com: “C David Andrews is questionable to return with a shoulder injury. Andrews is headed to the locker room. Nick Leverett is the backup center.”

So, there it is. With Andrews’ return questionable as he took a hit to his shoulder against the Niners, you can bet that it’s a big deal. And it’s not throwing words around the spanner. Ask any Pats fan and they’d share their grief with you. And why not?

He’s the linchpin of a Patriots offensive line that’s already been struggling through the first three weeks of the 2024 season. Can you imagine how much tougher it’s going to be for Jacoby Brissett to move the ball without his trusty center? Yikes!

After leaving the field following New England’s first possession, Andrews headed straight to the locker room, leaving Nick Leverett to fill some big shoes at center. And another reason for concern is the depth behind Andrews.

If not David Andrews, then the Patriots are in trouble!

Now, here’s the real plot twist: Leverett, fresh off joining the Pats in March after his time with the Bucs, had quite the rocky preseason at center. Those mishandled snaps and fumbles? They’re the kind of nightmares that haunt offensive coordinators long after the final whistle!

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any trickier, the offensive line was already shorthanded, missing starting left tackle Vederian Lowe and guard Michael Jordan as they geared up for this Week 4 showdown. Talk about adding fuel to the fire!

Sure, Sidy Sow is back in the starting lineup, but can we really expect him to carry the load alone? Andrews is more than just a veteran captain; he’s the glue holding this unit together.

Losing him against a fierce 49ers defense with Pro Bowlers like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner hunting Brissett would be a crushing blow. If any further updates come in you’ll know. But as of now, it’s trouble knocking at the doors for the Patriots. Let’s see how they answer.