When an NFL team’s second-string center leaves the game due to injury, it oftentimes leave the coaching staff in shambles. Especially if that second-string center exits the game in the final stretch of the regular season.
This happened to the New England Patriots in Week 13 when they lost Ted Karras to a knee injury. New England has been without its starting center David Andrews this season because of blood clots, leaving them with Karras as the starter for the year. He’s done an excellent job handling the ball and keeping Tom Brady upright.
Fortunately for the Patriots, James Ferentz was still around to plug in for Karras during that Week 13 matchup. The 30-year-old journeyman has had quite the interesting career thus far, and it’s likely that his NFL career would be over if the Patriots didn’t keep him. He ran out of practice squad eligibility last season, so he either made the 53-man roster, or he didn’t.
He made the roster, and he feels fortunate to play the role that he’s in. Ferentz spoke with reporters on Wednesday and discussed his current role.
“I’ve been really fortunate to have a role,” Ferentz said, transcribed by NESN. “It’s been a backup role and whether it’s left guard, center, right guard, it doesn’t really matter to me. My job is to make sure I’m ready to play anything I’m needed to do. I’m just really thankful to have a job.”
That’s the mentality that keeps the Patriots relevant every season, and it shows why having reliable backups make all the difference. Instead of shopping for a new center during Week 14, the Patriots can focus on other areas of the team.
“Every week you just kind of put your head down and just focus on preparing,” Ferentz said. “And for me, that’s been a backup role. I’m very grateful for that role. If you’re needed, you just hope that you’re ready to go, and that’ll be the same plan this week again. We’ll see what happens Sunday. And for me, I just need to stay in my routine and make sure I’m ready to go.”
As for Karras, his injury is considered minor and he’s expected to return within the next couple of weeks. Ferentz will hit the bench at that point and remain a constant player that provides security and depth for this team.
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