The New England Patriots need all the help they can get along their offensive line, and some of it might be waiting for them on the injured reserve list. Entering Week 15, the team has three O-linemen on IR: tackle Caedan Wallace, who returned to practice on Monday, as well as centers David Andrews and Jake Andrews.

Whereas the former Andrews’ status heading into 2025 remains uncertain following his season-ending shoulder injury sustained in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers, the latter should be back on the practice field by offseason workouts. According to a report by Andrews Callahan of the Boston Herald, he is expected to be cleared for organized team activities.

Andrews was placed on injured reserve on Aug. 5 after tearing his meniscus. Due to the timing of the transaction, he became ineligible to be activated from IR for the remainder of the season.

A fourth-round selection by the Patriots in the 2023 NFL Draft, Andrews spent his rookie campaign as a backup along the interior offensive line. The Troy product, who had started 37 games during his Trojans career, ended up seeing action in two games late during his first season as a pro.

Playing 71 combined offensive snaps, he lined up exclusively at left guard. The expectation entering his sophomore season therefore was that he would either compete for a starting job at one of the guard spots or continue serving as David Andrews’ backup and possible heir apparent at center.

His training camp knee injury prevented both potential outcomes from happening. It does look like he should get a chance to prove himself next year, though, starting in spring.