The New England Patriots offensive line took a massive hit two weeks ago after starting center, captain, and well-respected leader David Andrews exited Week 4 with a shoulder injury. Tests determined that Andrews had suffered a torn rotator cuff for the second time in his NFL career. He had a choice to play through the injury and potentially jeopardize his chances of playing in 2025 or undergo season-ending surgery. He ultimately chose the latter.
Andrews’ backup did not have the best showing last week.
The New England Patriots backup center did not have a good performance in Week 5
Nick Leverett got his first career start at center last week. Heading into the 2024 season, Leverett had little experience at center, playing 42 snaps during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but primarily played at left guard, notching 778 snaps. It wasn’t surprising that he struggled in his starting debut.
The Patriots’ offensive line unit had one of their best performances of the season against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, but less than ideal. The Dolphins sacked Jacoby Brissett twice and pressured him on 16 of his 37 dropbacks, equating to a pressure percentage of 43.2%. Leverett was the source of their problems, allowing ten pressures, five hurries, four hits, and one sack h/t PFF.
Considering the Patriots don’t have a backup center on their active roster, the team poached one from an AFC team.
The New England Patriots poached an interior offensive lineman off an AFC West team’s practice squad
According to his agency, the Patriots poached Ben Brown off the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad. NFL rules require players signed off a team’s practice squad to receive three guaranteed weekly checks, and they count against the 53-man roster for at least three weeks, even if the team releases that particular player. Brown likely assumes the role as Nick Leverett’s backup center.
Agreed to terms! @Ben_Brown55 ⏭️ @Patriots #LegendsLiveHere pic.twitter.com/OA2a9yn3ak
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) October 10, 2024
Here’s a quick review of his NFL career
The Cincinnati Bengals signed Ben Brown as an undrafted free agent in 2022 after playing at center and right guard for the Ole Miss Rebels in college. Brown missed the entirety of his rookie season because of a biceps injury sustained in the preseason. Unfortunately, his tenure in Cincinnati ended after the team released him during roster cuts in 2023.
The Seattle Seahawks signed Brown to the practice squad a few days after being released. He spent most of his second season on their practice squad, but the Seahawks elevated him for one game, in which he played eight snaps at left guard. The team cut him from the practice squad in November.
The Arizona Cardinals signed Brown to the practice squad in January but didn’t sign him to a reserve/futures deal. He became a free agent after his practice squad contract had expired.
The Las Vegas Raiders signed Brown to a reserve/futures deal in the middle of January. Unfortunately, the Raiders released him during the roster cutdown deadline but re-signed him to their practice squad shortly after. Fast forward to now, he’s a member of the New England Patriots.
