The leader rallies his men to victory, sometimes with just his words. His presence alone can inspire confidence, and for the Patriots, that’s David Andrews. But in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, their rock at center went down with a shoulder injury, and Foxborough isn’t hearing any good news.

According to MassLive’s Mark Daniels, Andrews may need surgery. If that happens, his season is over. For now, he’s trying to play through the pain, but the real question is: will pushing through affect his ability to play next season? That’s the decision looming ahead. The Pats would not only lose a captain and the longest-tenured player from their 2018 Super Bowl squad, but also their on-field leader.

David Andrews has been the heartbeat of the Patriots’ offensive line, consistently anchoring a unit that’s been in flux. Last season, he didn’t miss a single snap, showing up for all 17 games. That kind of reliability is hard to replace. But after his shoulder injury in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, the Pats may be facing the reality of life without their trusted center.

You might be wondering—how big of a deal is this? Well, Andrews’ absence could cause a major ripple effect, especially since New England’s O-line is already battered. Injuries have plagued the Patriots’ offensive front, with multiple players, including tackles Vederian Lowe and Caedan Wallace, all nursing ailments. To make matters worse, starting left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor left after just two games.

Now, the team has cycled through four different left tackles in as many games. But when it comes to the center, the depth is even thinner. Nick Leverett stepped in after Andrews went down, but his preseason struggles have fans a little nervous. And with Jake Andrews on IR, things aren’t looking too promising for that position.

Now, all eyes are on the post-surgery updates. It may well come down to a decision. Yes! New England’s fortunes may be very well relying on Andrews’ decision and condition.

David Andrews has an important decision to make!

David Andrews is taking it day by day, and as he put it on the Quick Snap Podcast, “It’s frustrating being hurt.” You can hear the weight of that decision in his words—do you push through the pain for the team or sit out to ensure you’re at your best when it really counts? Andrews knows that simply showing up isn’t enough; it’s about being effective.

“Anybody can go out there and play,” he said, but it’s clear he’s grappling with what’s best for both himself and the team. You’ve got to wonder, how much longer can he hold off the inevitable?

The Patriots are already walking a fine line with their injury-riddled offensive line, and Andrews’ situation only adds to the drama. With backups like Nick Leverett stepping in, who doesn’t exactly have the best track record at center, the pressure is mounting. Andrews is the glue that holds the line together, and without him, the offense could quickly reveal its weaknesses as it did on Sunday against the Niners.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for New England fans, especially with the Dolphins on deck. Can the offense keep things steady without their leader at the helm?

As Andrews takes things “day by day,” his decision would literally not only flip the script for the Pats but for him as well. It could impact more than just the O-line—it could shape the entire season. If Andrews sits, the Patriots’ chances take a hit, and you have to wonder how that affects the QB room. Will the absence of their veteran center push New England to make moves sooner than later? The Dolphins’ game, next, brings a very good test of their grit.