Patriots place offensive lineman on IR, sign long snapper

Following practice on Monday the New England Patriots placed one of their offensive linemen on IR. Center Jake Andrews, who hadn't practiced yet this year going back to the spring, was added to the list with an undisclosed injury, the team announced.

Andrews, a fourth-round pick by the Patriots last year, was expected to be the leader for the backup center job behind David Andrews this season. With him out, it's been mainly Nick Leverett in that role this summer with Atonio Mafi and UDFA Charles Turner III also getting some time at the position.

Because of the timing of when Andrews was placed on IR, he will not be eligible to return this season. In order for players to be eligible to return before final rosters are set, they have to be placed on IR on cutdown day and designated to return.

To fill Jake Andrews' spot on the roster the Patriots signed long snapper Tucker Addington. Addington was at practice on Monday.

This will be Addington's second stint with the Patriots. He was first with the team late in the 2022 season, and played in the final three games after Joe Cardona suffered a season-ending injury. Addington stayed with the team into camp last summer, but was released in mid-August.

Cardona has been a full participant in camp, so this signing doesn't seem to be about his availability. The Patriots could want to have a backup plan in place just in case (Addington would be a practice squad candidate) or may want to be able to allow both of the kickers on their roster to get live reps - which would mean needing another snapper.