Patriots Give Out Unfortunate News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 2:24 PM ET

Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots have been one of the bigger surprises of the 2025 NFL season. After finishing last season with a 4-13 record, Vrabel came in and has completely turned things around in his first year as the Patriots' head coach, ending 2025 with a 14-3 record and the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.

But New England's 2025 season hasn't finished three rounds into the playoffs. In the wild card round, the Patriots took out the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3, and in the divisional round, they defeated the Houston Texans 28-16.

Now, Vrabel and the Patriots will look to get back to the Super Bowl, hitting the road to face Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship. However, New England will be without a key piece.

New England Patriots linebacker Harold Landry III (2) sacks New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6).Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Harold Landry III, after four seasons with the Boston College Eagles, was selected with the No. 41 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He spent his first seven NFL seasons in Nashville, becoming a Pro Bowler in 2021. But ahead of the 2025 season, Landry signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal with New England, becoming a key part of Vrabel's defense with 27 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

However, Landry has been dealing with a lingering knee issue that kept him out of the final three games of the regular season. And while the linebacker was able to play in both playoff games for New England, he has been unable to practice this entire week.

And on Friday, just two days before the AFC championship, Vrabel announced that Landry will be unavailable against the Broncos, while linebacker Marte Mapu (hip), cornerback Carlton Davis (concussion protocol) and wideout Mack Hollins (abdomen) are all questionable.

"Landry will be out," Vrable said. "Mapu, Carlton Davis and Mack Hollins will be questionable."

Coach Vrabel provides Patriots injury updates for the AFC Championship. pic.twitter.com/c9xXbfw5J9
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 23, 2026