The Patriots just dropped some news that’s gonna make some fans scratch their heads, because Brenden Schooler is officially heading to the non-football injury list as training camp kicks off. Head coach Mike Vrabel announced it at his Friday press conference, and let me tell you, the details are sparse. We’re talking about a special teams All-Pro from 2024 here, and now he’s sidelined before things even really get going. Talk about a gut punch for the start of camp.
A Key Piece Sidelined, No Real Answers
Schooler isn’t just some camp body, okay? This guy is a safety and a special teams force. Remember how he racked up 19 tackles during the 2025 regular season? And then he kept that energy going, adding another six tackles in the playoffs? That’s serious contribution, especially for a special teams monster. Now, imagine losing that kind of impact player right when you’re supposed to be building momentum. Vrabel’s only comment was that Schooler “may be away for a little bit or out for a little bit.” What does “a little bit” even mean in NFL terms? A week? A month? The whole damn season? The lack of information about the nature of the issue is what’s really going to get under people’s skin. Fans deserve to know what’s up with their All-Pro!
Training Camp Is Already A MASH Unit
And Schooler isn’t even the only one. This NFI move means the Patriots have a growing list of guys on the sidelines right as they’re supposed to be gearing up. Linebacker Harold Landry and tight end C.J. Dippre are both on the physically unable to perform list. Then you’ve got running back Terrell Jennings joining Schooler on the non-football injury list. That’s a whole lot of talent not practicing, not building chemistry, not getting reps. It’s early, sure, but when you’re trying to set the tone for the entire season in training camp, having key players already unavailable, and with so many unknowns, is just a bad look. What kind of early trend is this sending to the locker room?
So, what’s next? Everyone’s just going to have to watch Vrabel’s pressers like a hawk for any scrap of information on Schooler. This is the time when teams forge their identity, and not having a special teams All-Pro on the field, with zero explanation, is a tough pill to swallow. We’ll be keeping an eye on who steps up in his absence, but man, this is a heavy start to training camp for the Patriots.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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