There’s some good news for the Patriots offense, as David Andrews is eyeing a return next season.

The center missed all of 2019 after blood clots led to a pulmonary embolism diagnosis in August. At the Amos House in Providence, he told reporters including ESPN’s Mike Reiss that February will be a big medical month for him, but things are trending in the right direction.

“I feel great," Andrews said. "I have some doctors appointments coming up and hopefully that goes well and then we’ll see from there. So pretty optimistic and really hope everything comes back good here in the next month... I’m not ready to be done playing football. So if there’s any chance that I can go play football, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Andrews was at the Amos House because the Patriots are giving away 500 empowerment coats, and speaking to the group, explained that this was the first year in his life he hasn’t played football. One of the attendees opined that’s why New England missed the Super Bowl.

“No, that’s not why, Andrews chuckled. "I don’t think I could have helped that much. So it was kind of a different year for me. Different role I guess. Try to do things the help out the guys. Just being there to be a voice helping things out with some of my experiences. Trying to see what I can see to help them out.

"So it was a little bit of a different year for me. It was nice that I got to do things a little different. I really enjoy deer hunting so I got to do some deer hunting actually down here in Rhode Island. So that was kind of fun. Hopefully I should have a bunch of doctor’s appointments here in February, get all that cleared up and be good to go for next year.”

Throughout the season, Andrews was like a lieutenant for offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia; though the captain was on injured reserve, he didn’t miss a single practice. Andrews was happy to help, but isn’t ready for it to be a full-time role.

“I take a lot of pride in that, but you really take pride in being out there," Andrews said. "That’s what I want to do. I want to play football. Maybe coach one day or be on that side, but not for a long time.”

And of course, Andrews was asked about the elephant — or should we say GOAT? — in the room. What does the center think about Brady’s impending free agency?

“He’s got a lot that he needs to decide," Andrews said diplomatically. "We all do. It’s always a tough time after season. Take stuff away, decompress and go from there. It’s a part of this game, part of this business and it happens every year.”