Latest updates on injured Patriots captains
On Tuesday afternoon, we got the first injury updates on Patriots captains Kyle Dugger and David Andrews.
In the New England Patriots’ 30-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, several starters left the game early due to injury. That includes two captains – safety Kyle Dugger and center David Andrews. Just about two days after that game, the first updates on both players are now being reported.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Dugger suffered an ankle injury “but the initial belief is he avoided major injury.” However, Fowler added that Dugger is “still gathering information” on the injury, and could miss some time.
Losing Dugger, who was just named a captain this week after the team placed linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley on IR, would open up a significant role at safety for the Patriots. Jaylinn Hawkins saw an increased role after Dugger left the game on Sunday, but his absence could also mean a potential role for Marte Mapu, who is eligible to return from IR this week.
Tuesday also brought an update on center David Andrews. According to Mark Daniels of MassLive, Andrews “is getting multiple medical opinions on his shoulder injury before making a decision,” implying surgery could potentially be a possibility. Daniels added “the Patriots should find out relatively soon on what [Andrews] will opt to do.”
There isn’t as clear of a replacement for Andrews as there would be for Dugger. Backup center was a weakness for the Patriots in training camp and the preseason, with multiple players given chances. Nick Leverett filled in for Andrews on Sunday and performed well, but struggled at the end of the summer including multiple botched snaps in the preseason finale.
The one player who there was not been an update on as of Tuesday afternoon is rookie tackle Caedan Wallace. Wallace had to be helped off the field after suffering a knee injury on Sunday, and left the stadium wearing a boot and on crutches.
