New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the media on December 12, 2025, providing updates on player injuries and discussing team preparation following the bye week.
Vrabel confirmed that Terrell Jennings will be unavailable for the upcoming game, while Robert Spillane is listed as questionable. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s practice sessions after the break. “I was. I felt like Monday got us going. It was a good day for us to get back in, kind of compete, go against just ourselves and not have to specifically work through show teams or anything like that. So, I thought that was good and got us back going, and then tried to build throughout the week. Thought yesterday was good, and today tried to just finish up a little bit of the on-field preparation. We still have plenty of work to do with meetings and stuff tomorrow, but again, continuing to try to build throughout the week, and see if we can’t build that momentum going into the game,” Vrabel said.
Jared Wilson’s return to practice after being carted off during a previous game in Cincinnati was also discussed. Vrabel commented: “Sometimes it appears to be one thing, you kind of see how it goes and it doesn’t end up being as bad, or sometimes it’s – every injury is different. But again, I’m glad that the way the players that have been out have worked to get back in there. Jared is in that group, obviously, and so it’ll be good to have him back in there. He’s continuing to improve. And again, I don’t want any of them to get injured, and if they are, I hope it’s not as serious as what it looks when it happens.”
When asked about Christian Barmore’s absence at practice start time, Vrabel clarified: “Yeah, those are just – my decision to bring him out towards the end of practice. Nothing, no concern there. He’d have an injury designation or something for the game, but that’s kind of how I chose to handle it today.”
With Jennings sidelined at running back, D’Ernest Johnson may step into a larger role: “Yeah, D’Ernest [Johnson] will probably get to the game and help us, and we’ll have to figure some things out now, this afternoon or tomorrow from the roster,” Vrabel stated.
Addressing team culture and toughness since spring training camp began earlier this year—a period when teams often focus on foundational values—Vrabel emphasized recruiting players with strong play demeanor: “That’s the best way.” He added: “I don’t know. I mean, sometimes they either are or they aren’t…I think that’s probably the biggest way to build your culture…getting the right people…their behaviors lead to the culture that you want.”
Regarding changes in overtime rules impacting coin toss decisions during games compared with postseason play—where formats differ—Vrabel explained: “Probably more of an in-game one…the only one we can worry about now is the regular season. Both teams get an opportunity to possess it…”
On former quarterback Philip Rivers’ return—whom Vrabel played against nearly two decades ago—he remarked: “I don’t. I always loved playing against him, a competitor, great for this league and see how it goes.” When asked if he would consider returning himself as a player: “Hell no. Nobody wants to see that.”
Vrabel also discussed which current Patriots might make strong coaches after their playing careers end: “Well…certainly Gibby [Jack Gibbens] has great knowledge and communicates…Marcus Jones could be a guy that could coach and play…It’s about finding the right way to reach players…” He noted several other players who could transition into coaching roles.
Players Milton Williams and Will Campbell remain active within team activities despite being on Injured Reserve (IR). Vrabel described their involvement: “Yeah, we’ll get them back. We have a plan for each guy…appreciate them being good with the plan…”
Asked about defensive players contributing offensively—a trend seen across NFL teams—Vrabel reflected on his own experience switching roles during his career: “Yeah – I wouldn’t see too many offensive linemen going over there and playing defensive line…Maybe defensive guys are just better than offensive guys…”
He also spoke about production meetings before games involving former player J.J. Watt now working as a broadcaster: “Yeah, I’ve got a lot of respect for J.J….just hearing from former players about what we’re doing…”
Quarterback Drake Maye’s improvement against blitzes this season was attributed by Vrabel largely to patience under pressure along with support from receivers and improved protection schemes.
Discipline has been cited as an area where New England has improved this year relative to penalties committed per game—a metric often tracked by analysts—and Vrabel commented on teaching aggressiveness within league rules while acknowledging early-season struggles had diminished over time.
Finally addressing potential use of three-safety defensive formations against tight-end-heavy offenses such as Buffalo’s—with Dalton Kincaid among key threats—Vrabel indicated flexibility in strategy based on personnel matchups.