In his return to Massachusetts, Mike Vrabel is apparently 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 needs season-ending surgery.
He bluntly said “no” when asked if he had any information he could provide 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.”
It’s unclear yet if Vrabel will attempt to lure out these supposed “rats” with some type of proverbial cheese, but the coach’s angry tone makes it clear he’s not pleased that the public is aware of this news.
New coaches want to establish protocols with how information is provided to the media and some are better at controlling the information than others.
Thursday’s report came from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who tweeted that Polk would need season-ending shoulder surgery 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.
This injury comes on the heels of a disappointing rookie season for Polk in which the No. 37 pick in the 2024 Draft tallied just 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns on a team lacking playmakers.
He will have lots to prove by the time the 2026 season rolls around.
The Patriots have not yet officially announced Polk landing on injured reserve, which could be part of the reason for Vrabel being upset.
New England is gearing up for a new era under Vrabel, who returned to the franchise he played for from 2001-08 while winning three Super Bowls with Tom Brady.
Vrabel previously had a solid six-year run in Tennessee from 2018-23 that ended after back-to-back losing seasons in 2022 and 2023.
The Patriots are hoping second-year quarterback Drake Maye takes the leap this year, allowing them to perhaps pass the Dolphins and Jets as the division’s No. 2 team behind the Bills.
