Patriots C David Andrews Out Indefinitely; SS Patrick Chung Pleads Not Guilty

The New England Patriots are expected to be without starting center David Andrews for a significant amount of time after he was hospitalized this week with blood clots.

Andrews was reportedly released from the hospital late on Monday night.

#Patriots center David Andrews has been released from the hospital, according to a league source. He was treated for a blood clot in his lung as @jeffphowe was the first to report.

— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) August 27, 2019

But that does not portend a rapid return to the playing field. A typical course of treatment for blood clots can involve multiple months of being weaned off blood thinners, which is required before an athlete can return to play.

Andrews is entering his fifth season in the NFL. He joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 2015, and since then has started 53 games at center, including two Super Bowls.

Fourth-year back up Ted Karras is expected to fill in for Andrews. He’s made five starts over the last three seasons: two at center and three at guard.

The Steelers and Patriots will meet during Week 1 at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8.

New England also may be without starting strong safety Patrick Chung, who pleaded not guilty to felony cocaine charges in New Hampshire this week. But Chung’s next hearing is not until Nov. 8, so unless the NFL issues a preemptive suspension, Chung will likely be permitted to take the field in two weeks.