Vrabel Says Patriots Edge Rusher Landry Is Working Hard to Return

Landry has not practiced or played this season while working back from a knee injury that required offseason surgery. He has been on the physically unable to perform list since the summer, after playing through the injury last season and appearing in New England’s Super Bowl in February.

Asked before Wednesday’s practice whether Landry could return this season, Vrabel said players who remain with the team and continue receiving treatment are working toward a return, but he could not predict the timing. He said Landry is doing work on the side with strength coaches and trainers.

Landry joined the Patriots as a free agent before last season and was elected a team captain. He finished with 8.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, despite getting hurt during a Week 6 win over the New Orleans Saints.

New England has gotten production from younger edge rushers, including Elijah Ponder, and free-agent addition Dre’Mont Jones. As a pair, they recorded seven sacks during the opening eight weeks, helping the team manage Landry’s absence.

Landry is due $16.3 million this season under a three-year contract that runs through 2027. His continued absence comes as the Patriots approach the trade deadline, when added salary-cap flexibility could help the team pursue reinforcements. Vrabel offered no timetable for Landry’s return.