New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has held quarterback Drake Maye and other key starters out of the first two preseason games, a strategy tied to roster limitations. Vrabel made a direct acknowledgment of the team's situation, telling reporters, per CBS Sports, "I don't think we have a very deep team."
The move reflects a broader approach to the 2026 season, where the Patriots apparently face what CBS Sports described as a "pretty big deficiency" in depth. By limiting starters' exposure in exhibition play, Vrabel is attempting to mitigate injury risk to his core players while the roster develops.