The Patriots got a useful piece back on the practice field this week, and it could matter in more than one way.
Brenden Schooler, who opened training camp on the non-football injury list, has returned to practice after dealing with a back injury that kept him out through camp and the start of the season. New England officially opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday, though he still cannot get back into game action until Week 5, when the Patriots host the Las Vegas Raiders.
Schooler’s value has long gone beyond one spot on the depth chart. The 29-year-old arrived in New England as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s top core specialists. He later signed a three-year extension in the middle of the 2024 season, then earned Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors.
Now, with fellow core specialist and depth safety Dell Pettus landing on injured reserve Wednesday because of an ankle injury, Schooler’s eventual return would help shore up a few different areas for the Patriots. Last season, the 2025 team captain recorded 17 solo tackles across the regular season and playoffs.
Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer made clear Thursday how much Schooler still brings, even before he’s cleared for games.
"Glad to have him back," Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer said Thursday. "Always wish he was playing, but until then, you know he's going to be the best practice player he can.
He's done a great job with us, helping our young guys. He's in every meeting, talking to guys and giving his input on what he sees, and he's like having another coach out there.
"So him out on the field now is like having another coach because he can help out guys on kickoff return or punt return."
For now, Schooler is expected to keep building his conditioning in practice and working with the scout team. Over the last two days, he has worn No. 6 while helping the Patriots prepare for Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson.
Springer said he could not offer a firm timetable for when Schooler will be activated, but the excitement is obvious.
"He's practicing at full-go," Springer said. "Whenever they want to say he's back and they tell me 'Hey he's good to go,' I'll be the one cheering in my room and probably throw some papers up in the air and get it rock and rolling.
Until then, he's out there. That's all I care about, and I just care that he's working hard and he's helping our team win."
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