Mike Vrabel is gearing up for a big game in Week 7 in his return to Tennessee to take on the Titans on Sunday. Yet, he is not the only New England Patriot going up against his former team. Harold Landry was hoping to face the Titans for the first time after spending his first seven years there. Unfortunately, however, his status is in serious jeopardy after missing two straight practices. Barring an unexpected turn of events, the Patriots need to prepare for Landry not suiting up on Sunday.
Landry suffered an ankle injury in Week 6 against the Saints, but was able to finish the game. Things must have gotten worse for the 29-year-old over the week, as he still hasn't been able to practice.
Patriots Injury News: Harold Landry May Miss Week 7 with Ankle Injury
This is a big blow for the Patriots as the former Pro Bowler has arguably been the team's best defender all season. He has been reliable and productive, playing over 80% of the team's defensive snaps and putting up a team-high 4.5 sacks in six games. He has added six tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, and a forced fumble. He is currently on pace to have the best statistical season of his career. His Pro Football Focus defensive grade of career-high 73.4 also supports this reality.
Not only is this the first game Landry will miss as a Patriot, but it's also the first game he will miss since he sat out the entire 2022 season with a torn ACL. Since then, he has been remarkably consistent, healthy, and impactful.
The rest of the Patriots' pass-rushing rotation has been less impressive to start the season. K'Lavon Chaisson, as the other starter on the outside, has been solid, but the depth behind him is questionable. In Landry's absence, it will likely be more of Keion White and Anfernee Jennings. Both players have been underwhelming in their limited snaps so far, not generating enough pressure or making plays that show on the box score. White has a 43.4 defensive grade on PFF that places him 110th among 111 eligible pass rushers for the season, and Jennings isn't that much better with 46.2.
Therefore, Landry's absence will be a challenge to overcome for the Patriots. Fortunately, the Titans offense doesn't present the toughest test for the solid Patriots defense, but if Landry's issues persist, the pass rush could be an area worth considering an upgrade.