Injuries bring changes on Patriots offensive line going into game at Broncos
NFL
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — David Andrews is a team captain, a starter at center, and someone with ties to the Patriots’ most recent Super Bowl titles.
Given the state of New England’s offensive line, which in many ways resembles a season where the wear and tear continues to take its toll on a franchise that has no choice but to play out the string, Andrews still sees reasons to be positive heading into the Week 16 matchup at Denver. The last thing the nine-year veteran wants to hear is that the Patriots have nothing at stake.
“We’ve only got three more guaranteed opportunities with this football team. It’s a huge opportunity for not only yourself but the organization ... everyone involved,” Andrews said on Wednesday. “Sometimes when you get in these positions, people will say you have nothing to lose. We have everything to lose because we’re playing this game. You never know when it’s going to get taken from you or when it’s going to end.”
A few individuals have an opportunity to make an impact alongside Andrews after the Patriots placed offensive lineman Cole Strange on injured reserve earlier in the week. The second-year pro was carted off the field with a knee injury that he suffered during the second quarter of Sunday’s home loss to Kansas City.
“Tough kid. I know he’s going to do everything he can to come back. If anyone can do it, he can,” Andrews said about the rehab path that awaits Strange.
Healthy offensive linemen are at a premium for the Patriots as they head down the stretch of the season. Offensive lineman Conor McDermott did not practice Wednesday. He sustained a head injury that forced him out against the Chiefs.
New England could welcome back offensive lineman Trent Brown to the practice field after he missed the Kansas City game. With Strange sidelined, New England will likely turn to rookie Atonio Mafi for the rest of the season at left guard. An
PATRIOTS AT BRONCOS Sunday, 8.15 p.m. (NFL Network)
opportunity is also open for second-year lineman Vederian Lowe to see his workload increase beginning with Sunday’s matchup against the Broncos. Lowe finished this past week’s game at left tackle after McDermott was ruled out.
“As a team, you want to fight and compete and get as many wins as you can. There are guys who are going to get different opportunities coming up here with Cole and Conor dealing with some stuff.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn when you get thrown into the fire when you have to read and react and do different things,” Andrews said before throwing it back to a time in Patriots history when an injury allowed for the launch of the career of one of the greatest winners in NFL history.
“Think about Tom Brady. What if Drew Bledsoe had never gotten hurt? You never know when you’re going to get an opportunity. You have to be ready to take advantage of it,” Andrews said. “The more snaps you play, the more the game slows down a bit and you’re not going a million miles an hour. As a rookie, there’s a lot piled on you throughout the year. As the years go on, you figure it out. Whether you’re a veteran or a rookie, you’re trying to improve each week.”
BOYS INDOOR TRACK TOP PERFORMANCES
Here’s a look at the top boys indoor track and field performances from the first week of meets.
Sean Arms, Daniel Hand, So.: Won the pole vault at Hillhouse Invitational by clearing 11-06.
Dylan Bathrick, Cromwell, Jr.: Won the 1000 meters at Hillhouse Invitational with time of 2:39.94.
Taeshawn Berry, Windsor, Sr.: Won the 300 meters at Hillhouse Invitational with time of 35.27.
Brendan Cook, E.O. Smith, Jr.: Won the 3200 meters at Hillhouse Invitational with time of 9:57.82.
Aidan Cooney, Berlin, Sr.: Won the 300 meters at Glastonbury Invitational with a time of 41.0.
Maxim Copeland, Windsor, Sr.: Won 55 meters at Hillhouse Invitational with time of 6.55.
Jordan Crain, Windsor, Sr.: Won the long jump at Hillhouse Invitational with a 22-00 jump.
Khile Francis, Bloomfield, So.: Won the shot put at Hillhouse Invitational with a 50-07.75 throw.
Gavin Kane, Manchester, Jr.: Won the 600 meters run at Hillhouse Invitational with time of 1:28.54.
Matthew Kasper, Daniel Hand, Sr.: Won the triple jump at Hillhouse Invitational with a 44-00.25 jump.
David Ladieu, Hall, Sr.: Won the pole vault at Hillhouse Invitational by clearing 11-06.
William Lieber, Southington, Jr.: Won the 1600 meters run at Hillhouse Invitational with time of 4:34.33.
Joseph Lopez, East Hartford, So.: Won the 55-meter dash at Glastonbury Invitational with a time of 7.0.
Jack Mattingly, E.O. Smith, Sr.: Won the 3000 meters run at Hillhouse Invitational with time of 8:52.07.
Delante Senior, Bloomfield, Jr.: Won the 55 meters hurdles at Hillhouse Invitational with time of 7.85.
Vittorio Volpato, Conard, Sr.: Won the high jump at Hillhouse Invitational with a 5-10 jump.
GIRLS INDOOR TRACK TOP PERFORMANCES
Here’s a look at the girls indoor track and field performances from the first week of meets.
Saphyr Brown, Bloomfield, Fr.: Won the long jump at Hillhouse Invitational with an 18-06.50 jump.
Jordan Carr, Joel Barlow, Jr.: Won the pole vault at Hillhouse Invitational by clearing 11-06.
Samiya Eady, Manchester, Jr.: Won the 55 meters at Hillhouse Invitational with time of 6.55.
Ava Gattinella, Glastonbury, Sr.: Won the 1000 meters at Hillhouse Invitational with a time of 3:11.72.
Lila Garbett, Glastonbury, Jr.: Won the 1600 meters at Hillhouse Invitational with a time 5:12.10.
Leonaya Knox, Hillhouse, Sr.: Won the 55-meter hurdles at Hillhouse Invitational with a time of 8.41.
Annika Paluska, Glastonbury, Sr.: Won the 600 meters at Hillhouse Invitational with a time 1:37.22.
Avery Pitts, E.O. Smith, Sr.: Won the high jump at Hillhouse Invitational with a 5-02.00 jump.
Jamie-Lynn Shaffer, Woodland, Sr.: Won the 55m hurdles at Hillhouse Invitational with a time of 10.8.
Aashni Shetty, Newtown, Jr.: Won the triple jump at Hillhouse Invitational with a 34-04.75 jump.
Anna Siciliano, Hall, Sr..: Won the shot put at Hillhouse Invitational with a 37-09.50 throw.
Brooke Strauss, Glastonbury, Jr.: Won the 3200 at Hillhouse Invitational with a time of 10:43.98.