It’s not even a week since the New England Patriots completed a blockbuster trade for A.J. Brown, bolstering the Mike Vrabel-led squad ahead of the upcoming NFL season.
However, the team now appears to have hit a potential setback before the season begins. Although it is not linked to their recent acquisition of A.J. Brown, but it has still raised concerns about the overall depth and balance of the roster within the camp.
The bad news reportedly stems from another March signing made by the New England Patriots.
Patriots hit by season-ending injury concern
Julian Hill, the tight end who recently agreed to a three-year, $15 million deal, has reportedly suffered an injury that would sideline him for the entire upcoming season, creating a significant issue for the team’s roster plans.
The Patriots have placed the 25-year-old tight end on injured reserve after he suffered a knee injury during a voluntary offseason practice, ruling him out for the season, according to the New York Post.
Mike Vrabel announces injury news
For Mike Vrabel, who was already dealing with off-field scrutiny last month amid reports linked to a Dianna Russini affair controversy, this latest development is certainly an unwelcome setback.
It was the 50-year-old coach who himself confirmed Julian Hill’s injury, describing it as “devastating.”
“Julian won’t be able to play this season, plain and simple. Devastating. Awful. I really enjoyed the person and want to have him around here as much as we possibly can. He won’t be able to play this season,” the Patriots head coach said.
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He also noted that the player had already begun making an impact within the team despite his brief time in the setup, which makes his season-long absence even more disappointing.
“That’s just disappointing because of the impact he made in a short amount of time with his teammates, the person that he is, the way he practiced,” Vrabel said. “We want Julian to be a part of us as much as possible, but he’s not going to do that on the field this year,” he explained.
Hill’s signing purpose and depth chart options
The tight end spent the past three seasons with the Miami Dolphins after initially earning a roster spot as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Across 45 appearances, he totaled 288 receiving yards on 33 catches.
