Mike Vrabel wants to find the rats after…
In his return to Massachusetts, Mike Vrabel is outwardly pulling pages out of “The Departed” playbook.
Vrabel, who has already been feisty with the media, said he’s on the hunt for “rats” after a report emerged stating receiver Ja’Lynn Polk wants season-ending surgical procedure.
He bluntly said “no” when requested if he had any info he might present on the report before expressing his displeasure.
“Other than I’d like to find out where some of these (reports) come from,” Vrabel said. “You know, some of these rats around here. So, we’ll figure that out.”
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel was requested to remark on the report that WR Ja’Lynn Polk will require season-ending shoulder surgical procedure.“No. I don’t know. Other than, I’d like to find out where some of these [reports] come from. Some of these rats around here. We’ll figure that out.”😳 pic.twitter.com/T02lNSAzCq— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 22, 2025
Mike Vrabel was not happy with the report that leaked. @LosTalksPats/X
It’s unclear yet if Vrabel will attempt to lure out these supposed “rats” with some sort of proverbial cheese, but the coach’s offended tone makes it clear he’s not happy that the public is conscious of this news.
New coaches need to set up protocols with how info is offered to the media and some are better at controlling the info than others.
Patriots receiver Ja’Lynn Polk during a preseason sport. Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Thursday’s report got here from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who tweeted that Polk would need season-ending shoulder surgical procedure and land on injured reserve.
“The 2024 second-round pick saw multiple specialists, and surgery was determined to be the best course of action — with the goal of being fully healthy for 2026,” Schultz tweeted.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
This injury comes on the heels of a disappointing rookie season for Polk in which the No. 37 choose in the 2024 Draft tallied just 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns on a crew missing playmakers.
He may have tons to show by the time the 2026 season rolls around.
The Patriots haven’t yet formally announced Polk touchdown on injured reserve, which could possibly be half of the purpose for Vrabel being upset.
New England is gearing up for a new period under Vrabel, who returned to the franchise he performed for from 2001-08 while successful three Super Bowls with Tom Brady.
Vrabel beforehand had a stable six-year run in Tennessee from 2018-23 that ended after back-to-back shedding seasons in 2022 and 2023.
The Patriots are hoping second-year quarterback Drake Maye takes the leap this yr, permitting them to maybe cross the Dolphins and Jets as the division’s No. 2 crew behind the Bills.
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