Mike Vrabel Reveals Former Patriots Captain’s Comeback Effort

Mike Vrabel says former Patriots captain Harold Landry is 'working really hard' to return.

The veteran edge rusher has not practiced or played a single snap this season.

Landry has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list since training camp.

He suffered a knee injury during the 2025 season and played through it.

Landry underwent surgery in the offseason after appearing in the Super Bowl in February.

Since then, he has not participated in any team drills or practices.

He also has not been seen in the locker room during media availability periods.

Ahead of the team's Wednesday practice, Vrabel was asked directly whether Landry is trending toward a return this season.

"I would say that anybody that's still here and that's getting treatment is tracking (to return)," Vrabel said.

"How quickly they track or what that pace is, I don't know."

"I just know that he's working extremely hard."

"Like I've said a few times before, whenever he's ready, he'll start to return to play or he'll start that process."

"He's doing some things on the side and he's doing some things with the strength coaches and the trainers."

"I know he's working hard."

Landry signed a free agent contract with the Patriots ahead of the 2025 season.

His teammates voted him a captain in his first year with the franchise.

He recorded 8.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss during the regular season.

Landry got banged up in the team's Week 6 win over the New Orleans Saints.

He remained on the active roster for the rest of the year despite the injury.

He suited up for the Super Bowl in February and played in the game.

After the season, he reportedly underwent surgery to address the knee issue.

Since then, he has not been cleared to practice.

The Patriots placed him on the PUP list before training camp.

He missed all of the summer workouts, preseason games and the first eight weeks of the regular season.

At $16.3 million this season, Landry is one of the higher-paid players on the roster.

That contract number becomes a factor as the trade deadline approaches.

The Patriots could use that cap space or roster spot for other moves.

But Vrabel's comments suggest the team is not giving up on Landry returning this year.

The Patriots have gotten strong production from other edge rushers in Landry's absence.

Elijah Ponder and free agent addition Dre'Mont Jones have combined for seven sacks through the first eight weeks.

Both players have stepped into larger roles and performed well.

Gabe Jacas and Quintayvious Hutchins have also seen increased snaps.

Because of that production, the team has not felt Landry's absence as acutely as expected.

If Landry returns, he would add depth and experience to a rotation that is already playing well.

If he does not return, the Patriots will continue with the current group.