The Patriots will be without a key piece of their defense in Sunday’s AFC Championship clash against the Broncos. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that edge rusher Harold Landry has been ruled out due to a knee injury - a significant blow to New England’s pass rush at the most critical point of the season.
Landry has been a force off the edge this year, and his absence comes at a time when the Patriots will need every bit of pressure they can generate against a Broncos offense that has found its rhythm down the stretch. Losing a player with Landry’s motor and production - 8.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble over 15 games - is no small thing. He’s been a consistent disruptor, and without him, the Patriots will have to lean on their depth and scheme to find ways to get after the quarterback.
It’s been a long road back for Landry, who missed the entire 2022 season after tearing his ACL. After returning to form with the Titans, he made the move to New England last offseason, signing a three-year deal worth up to $48 million. At 29, he’s still in his prime and had re-established himself as one of the more reliable edge defenders in the league this season.
Aside from Landry, the Patriots are listing three other players as questionable: wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen), cornerback Carlton Davis III (concussion), and linebacker Marte Mapu (hip). While all three still have a chance to suit up, their statuses will be worth monitoring as game day approaches.
Each of those names carries weight in their own way. Hollins has been a steady presence in the receiving corps, Davis is a veteran corner with the kind of experience you want in a playoff secondary, and Mapu brings versatility to the linebacker group. If any of them are limited or unable to go, it’ll test New England’s depth across multiple units.
But it’s Landry’s absence that looms largest. In a game where every snap matters, the Patriots will be without one of their best at getting after the quarterback. That’s a challenge Vrabel and his staff will have to scheme around - and a storyline that could shape how this AFC title matchup unfolds.