As Mike Vrabel's Patriots open 2024 training camp, key players Mack Hollins & Austin Hooper land on the PUP list. Can the team overcome early adversity?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The wait is finally over. A new energy is buzzing around Foxborough as the Mike Vrabel era officially gets underway with training camp just days away. But before the first whistle blows, the Patriots have been hit with their first dose of adversity, placing a slew of key veterans and promising newcomers on injury lists, shaking up the depth chart before practices even begin.
The Patriots are aiming to improve on their 4–13 record from the previous two seasons and return to the playoffs after a three-year absence.
After two consecutive 4-13 seasons, change was inevitable. Enter Head Coach Mike Vrabel, the former Patriots linebacker and Hall of Famer tasked with restoring the Patriot Way. Replacing Jerod Mayo, Vrabel's arrival, combined with an aggressive offseason of free agent signings and a well-regarded draft class, has injected a powerful dose of optimism. The goal is clear: end a three-year playoff drought and build a contender. This week, as veterans report on July 22, we get our first real glimpse of what Vrabel's team will look like on the field.
Just as anticipation hits its peak, the team announced a significant list of players who won't be ready for the start of camp. Veterans Mack Hollins (WR), Austin Hooper (TE), Vederian Lowe (T), and Jahlani Tavai (LB) were all placed on the active/PUP list. Meanwhile, key defensive back Carlton Davis, safety Josh Minkins, and WR Jeremiah Webb landed on the active/NFI list. While these players can be activated at any time, starting camp on the sideline puts immediate pressure on the team's depth at crucial positions.
In a corresponding move, the Patriots added fresh legs to the offense by signing rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson. His arrival spices up an already competitive running back room and signals the front office is still looking to add talent. The move coincides with major position battles expected across the offense, particularly at wide receiver. While Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, and Kyle Williams are considered locks, the competition for what's expected to be four other spots will be one of the most compelling storylines of the summer.
The front office is balancing the present with the future. Second-round pick Alfred Collins officially inked his rookie deal, joining fellow draftees like Tre Harris in the fold. Now, attention turns to the cornerstone of the defense: Christian Gonzalez. With Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner recently signing a record-setting extension, the clock is ticking for the Patriots to lock up their own superstar corner long-term. While Gonzalez is still under contract, a proactive extension could be a key move to ensure stability for years to come.
For now, the Patriots stand atop the AFC East at 0-0, a clean slate for a team desperate for a turnaround. The Vrabel era brings hope, the roster has talent, but the early injury report is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. All eyes now turn to Tuesday when the veterans arrive, officially kicking off a pivotal training camp. The road back to relevance begins now, with the first preseason test against Washington looming.
