Patriots re-signing former center to fill out camp roster
The Patriots are filling the end of their roster for training camp. One position they’re shoring up is center, where they’re bringing back a familiar face.
Aug 22, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) makes an adjustment at the line of scrimmage while standing behind center Tyler Gauthier (67) during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY SportsBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots continue to fill out the end of their roster as training camp ramps up in Foxboro. One position they decided to shore up is center, as ESPN's Mike Reiss reports that they are bringing back center Tyler Gauthier for another stint.
Gauthier originally signed with the Pats after going undrafted in 2019. The team waived him before signing him to the practice squad for the 2019 season. In December, the Jaguars signed Gauthier off the Patriots' squad before waiving him last Saturday. So it appears that Bill Belichick wasted no time bringing Gauthier back.
The Patriots have prioritized center depth as part of their roster-building for 2020. Starter David Andrews is back after missing all of 2019 to recover from blood clots in his lungs. He will play in 2020 despite COVID-19 concerns, after consulting with his family and his doctor.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY SportsTyler Gauthier returns for a second stint with the Patriots, where he has a legitimate chance to make the team as the backup center. (Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)
Potential health issues for Andrews, combined with the departure of Ted Karras to the Dolphins, necessitated moves at the center position. The Patriots drafted Dustin Woodard out of Memphis, and I've got him making the initial 53-man roster as the primary backup center. Gauthier should present some legitimate competition for that spot.
Be sure to keep checking back here for more Patriots training camp coverage. And let us know whose roster projection you prefer between myself and Alex Barth.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
