The New England Patriots have had two players on the roster yet to make their training camp debuts. Edge rusher Harold Landry -- who's currently on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury -- and safety/special teamer Brenden Schooler -- currently on the non-football injury with an undisclosed injury -- haven't stepped on the practice field this summer.

Both players were named captains last year and had big roles in the Patriots' run to the Super Bowl. But as the start of the 2026 season inches closer, we've yet to see either player following mandatory minicamp.

This week, head coach Mike Vrabel gave an update on both players -- but it doesn't really help with easing any worries you might have about their availabilities.

"They're here. They're rehabbing. They're working through the return to play," Vrabel said on Aug. 19. "Where they are for Week 1, they won't be out there today, so that's the only update I can give you. They won't play in the game this week, and I think they're just continuing to work to try to get there. When they get there, obviously they'll be there."

For the Patriots, they don't have to activate them off these injury lists until they pass their physicals. Until then, they'll remain sidelined. But if they aren't activated before the regular season, they'll revert to the reserve versions of those lists and miss a minimum of four games to begin the year.

Landry's Knee Remains Issue

Landry injured his knee early on last season after a really fast start to his first year in New England. After that, he wasn't really the same player. He's been off the field all offseason, not even participating in spring workouts.

"He's continuing to improve," Vrabel said on Aug. 11. "But again, I don't think we want to rush anything. Harold stays locked in on what we are doing in our defense, and again, I just want to give him every opportunity that he can to get back and feel good and feel confident before we start his clock and take him off of the PUP list."

In his place, the Patriots have used plenty of edge rushers to try and shore up a fairly weaker spot on the roster. Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson, Dre'Mont Jones and Gabe Jacas have all consistently repped with the starters, while rookie Quintayvious Hutchins also also gotten snaps this summer.

Schooler's Absence Could Open Roster Spot

There hasn't been any reports on what Schooler is dealing with, but it had to have happened after the spring practices. The fifth-year player, who has come along as a premier core special teamer in the NFL since signing as an undrafted free agent, could open up some holes in that area should he not be able to go.

Cornerbacks like Charles Woods, Marcellas Dial and Kobee Minor are all fighting for reserve spots on the defense and could easily chip in on special teams this season. If Schooler -- who was names a First Team All-Pro in 2024 -- doesn't start the year on the 53-man roster, that gives both Dial and Minor better shots to make the roster.

The next shot for the Patriots to activate both Landry and Schooler will be after their second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend. If those absences prolong into the regular season, the Patriots could end up having to get creative with their roles on the roster.

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