Halfway through the 2026 season, the Patriots have been plagued by the injury bug, which has created a lot of problems for the team on game day. It's become a weekly concern as more players are added to the injury report or, worse, injured reserve.
They appear to have avoided serious trouble from their latest game against the Bears, with no players leaving with a long-term injury, and a few are on the cusp of being able to be activated ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Given the number of players forced off the field across the roster, several returns will be crucial to the team's long-term success this season, particularly on offense.
However, Mike Vrabel revealed on Monday morning that, over the next few days, there are some names to watch on both sides of the ball who could significantly improve their chances of winning more games this season.
With only six activations left for the 2026 season, it will be interesting to see who they prioritize returning in the next few weeks. A few of them can, and probably should, be back for their Week 8 game.
Mike Vrabel provides big injury updates on a number of Patriots stars
LG Alijah Vera-Tucker's injury isn't expected to be season ending
After suffering a hamstring injury in Week 6 against the Jets, the Patriots placed Alijah Vera-Tucker on injured reserve, marking the fourth time the offensive lineman has been placed on IR in his five-year career.
It was the worst-case scenario for what many considered a risky signing, but Vrabel's latest update seemed to ease concerns about Vera-Tucker's immediate and long-term future in New England.
According to the head coach, the 27-year-old shouldn't miss the rest of the season and could return as soon as his four required missed games are over. That's massive news for an already depleted offensive line, especially since Vera-Tucker was playing well before the injury.
S Dell Pettus could potentially return from IR this week
Although the current group of safeties hasn't been as concerning as the injuries to the cornerback room, the Patriots have clearly missed Dell Pettus over the last four games.
He suffered an ankle injury in Week 3 on special teams against the Steelers, and he can finally be activated from IR this week. Vrabel suggested it could happen in the next few days, and he could be back on the field this Sunday.
Given the cornerbacks' struggles, particularly with Carlton Davis sidelined by a neck injury, bringing Pettus back in the lineup could make a massive difference in their performance.
OG Greg Van Roten might be activated before the Dolphins game
After an injury ended Mike Onwenu's season in Week 2, Greg Van Roten was brought in to help lessen the burden on other backup linemen. Unfortunately, he was injured shortly after, but he could return to the starting lineup as soon as this week.
Because the offensive line has arguably taken the worst with injuries, whether Van Roten returns as a starter or a prime backup is irrelevant. They need all the help they can get, and his return could prove to be invaluable for the rest of the season.
OL Ben Brown is nearing a return this week
Sticking with the offensive line, Vrabel also shared that Ben Brown, a reliable backup for the Patriots over the past two years, is nearing a return from a knee injury.
Because he started at right guard after injuries took out the starter and backup, Brown's value is much higher than most expect.
But the offensive line has been hit hard by injuries this season, so getting reliable players back on the field will be crucial to Drake Maye's future and the team's chances of making a good run for the rest of the season.
OT Marcus Bryant needs to be activated soon before the 21-day window expires
After starting the 2026 season on IR, Marcus Bryant's 21-day return window opened on October 14, and with only nine days left before he can't return this year, the Patriots need to decide quickly on his immediate future.
Given the offensive line's injuries, one can assume Bryant will play at some point this year, especially with Onwenu likely done for the year and the shuffling we've seen over the last few weeks, from guard to tackle.
He's played well for the team since he was drafted last year, and they'll need that kind of offensive reliability for the rest of the season. However, Vrabel didn't provide a clear answer about whether he will be activated this week.
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