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Vrabel Calls Out Brown, Denies Knee Rumors, Signs Rookie

7/28/2026

28 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Vrabel Denies Injury

Head coach Mike Vrabel called out wide receiver A.J. Brown for dropping his first pass in camp, saying he does not give style points and expects the catch.
Vrabel denied knee-injury rumors, saying the team is confident Brown is healthy.
Brown confirmed his knees are healthy after 2024 treatment and feels mentally ready.
Brown said he has mastered 90% of the playbook and is building timing with quarterback Drake Maye.

Summary

Patriots Sign Jacas

The Patriots signed rookie linebacker Gabe Jacas with an injury waiver that could cut his salary if a knee issue sidelines him.
Coach Mike Vrabel said Jacas’s knee will be examined in the next few days and he cannot promise the rookie will play this season.
New England is still searching for a dependable kickoff returner after Antonio Gibson’s exit, with Vrabel citing Marcus Jones’s past success as the target.

History

Historical Context

In 2001 the New England Patriots, under Bill Belichick, turned a 1-3 start into an 11-5 season and a 20-17 Super Bowl XXXVI win after Tom Brady replaced injured Drew Bledsoe. That “Cinderella” turnaround forged a culture of disciplined play, which today coach Mike Vrabel cites when demanding precision from A.J. Brown and rookie Gabe Jacas.

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Vrabel Denies Injury

Head coach Mike Vrabel called out wide receiver A.J. Brown for dropping his first pass in camp, saying he does not give style points and expects the catch.
Vrabel denied knee-injury rumors, saying the team is confident Brown is healthy.
Brown confirmed his knees are healthy after 2024 treatment and feels mentally ready.
Brown said he has mastered 90% of the playbook and is building timing with quarterback Drake Maye.

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