The Patriots are preparing for their first postseason game since 2021, so they'll be playing their most meaningful football this Sunday against the Chargers. They are one of the few fortunate playoff teams to be healthier than they have been for much of the season, but Mike Vrabel just dropped a bombshell that certainly changes that a bit.
While speaking to reporters ahead of practice on Wednesday, the head coach shared that several players are dealing with an illness and won't be practicing much because of it, nearly all of whom are starters on the roster.
Although it's Wednesday and there's plenty of time before their Sunday night game, it's noteworthy that players are sick, and that number could increase if it spreads through the locker room.
Mike Vrabel said several Patriots players are dealing with an illness, including Morgan Moses, Garrett Bradbury, Vederian Lowe, and Anfernee Jennings. pic.twitter.com/wMRgWq02Wk
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) January 7, 2026
That's not exactly the good luck that they were being dealt after the returns of Will Campbell and Milton Williams from injured reserve last week, with players like Robert Spillane and Khyiris Tonga hopefully returning for the game, too.
The timing of Patriots players getting sick is not great ahead of their most important game
Considering they're about to be featured in primetime for the playoffs, it wouldn't be shocking if those Vrabel listed as being sick, Garrett Bradbury, Anfernee Jennings, Vederian Lowe, and Morgan Moses, will try to play through whatever they're dealing with when the time comes on Sunday.
That's not uncommon in the NFL or any professional sport, so there is a chance their illnesses won't be a factor.
However, if any of them need to miss time, or if any other players catch what's going around, the Patriots could be in deep trouble without some of their most integral starters on the field. The Chargers are, of course, a legitimate team, and they won't be easy to beat, even with the roster at its healthiest.
So if they are down a handful of players, their chances of walking out with a win drop significantly, and there's not a single fan who wants to see that happen.
Let's hope they'll be able to rid themselves of those pesky germs over the next few days so this isn't a concern on Sunday night.