Mike Vrabel explains why Patriots starters are absent in preseason
NBCSports.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 3:33 AM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel discussed the decision to keep his starters off the field in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. He cited a lack of depth on the roster and the need to preserve key players as the team faces injuries, including cornerback Christian Gonzalez and offensive linemen Ben Brown and Andrew Rupcich. Vrabel's comments come as the Patriots prepare for their regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on September 9.
- •Vrabel highlighted the importance of keeping starters healthy.
- •Several players, including Gonzalez, are currently sidelined with injuries.
- •The Patriots' preseason finale is scheduled against the Browns next week.
- •The regular season opener is a rematch against the Seahawks.
- 1:42 PMNBCSports.com — Mike Vrabel explains his comments about lack of depth on roster - NBC Sports
- 3:33 AMYahoo Sports — Mike Vrabel's brutally honest reason for Patriots starters not playing
"After New England's Week 2 preseason game, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel explained that he hasn't been playing key starters in the preseason because "I do not think we have a very deep team."
"Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addressed why the team has not played its starters in the preseason.
Sources
External links- NBCSports.comAug 24, 2026, 1:42 PMMike Vrabel explains his comments about lack of depth on roster - NBC Sports
After New England's Week 2 preseason game, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel explained that he hasn't been playing key starters in the preseason because "I do not think we have a very deep team."
- Yahoo SportsAug 23, 2026, 3:33 AMMike Vrabel's brutally honest reason for Patriots starters not playing
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel addressed why the team has not played its starters in the preseason.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:20 PMJaguars vs Texans live updates: Trevor Lawrence, Jags face rivals in London
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:19 PMEagles vs Panthers live updates, start time, TV channel for NFL Week 6
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:17 PMFormer four-time Pro Bowl WR Cordarrelle Patterson arrested on domestic assault charge
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:15 PMNFL weather report for Week 6: Heavy wind could affect Buccaneers, Steelers
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 1:03 PMRobert Griffin III calls out Duke CB after on-field moment with athletic trainer
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 12:45 PMKenyon Sadiq likely to play