Mike Vrabel explains why Patriots starters are absent in preseason
Yahoo Sports • 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.
- 3:33 AMYahoo Sports — Mike 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.
Sources
External linksOriginal 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•Aug 23, 2026, 3:50 AMInstant analysis from Patriots’ 24-21 preseason win over Eagles
NFL•Aug 23, 2026, 3:50 AMPatriots Legends Has Positive Reason for Christian Gonzalez Not Having Contract
NFL•Aug 23, 2026, 3:42 AMEagles RB Ja'Quinden Jackson has full movement, CT scan was negative
NFL•Aug 23, 2026, 3:35 AMEagles’ Running Back Gets Carted Off After Scary Injury Against Patriots
NFL•Aug 23, 2026, 3:33 AMEx-NFL First-Round Pick Gets Good Sign From Eagles vs Patriots
NFL•Aug 23, 2026, 3:26 AMTommy DeVito throws 69-yard TD as Patriots beat Eagles 24-21