An injury reshapes New England’s biggest game in years.
The New England Patriots face a tough scenario just days before their biggest game in years. They will face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship on Sunday night at Empower Field, but they will do so without one of their most important defenders.
Linebacker Harold Landry is out with a knee injury. Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the news on Friday and said Landry did not practice all week. The timing could not be worse.
This is the Patriots’ first AFC Championship appearance since 2018, and fans have waited years for this moment. Landry played a big part in the run. He led the team with 8.5 sacks and was a major piece of the pass rush. Now the defense has to adjust quickly without him.
Patriots Adjust As Broncos Face Quarterback Change
Vrabel also gave updates on other injuries. Wide receiver Mack Hollins is still questionable. Cornerback Carlton Davis III is also questionable. Linebacker Marte Mapu is in the same situation. Vrabel did not share many details but said the team is preparing for every possibility.
Losing Landry is the biggest bad news. He led the defense and brought pressure all season. Without him, the Patriots will rely on backup players in a game with Super Bowl stakes.
The Broncos are dealing with injuries too. Starting quarterback Bo Nix is out after breaking his ankle in the last game. Denver will start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham on Sunday night.
Nix addressed fans on Instagram earlier this week. He spoke openly about the injury and his emotions. “The last few days have been hard to put into words,” Nix wrote. “What started as one of the most exciting games I’ve ever been a part of ended with some of the most devastating football news I’ve ever received.”
He also showed confidence in his replacement. “I couldn’t be more confident in Jarrett,” Nix said. “And I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.”
Denver signed free agent quarterback and CBS Sports analyst Ben DiNucci after the injury. The move added depth but did not change Sunday’s plan.
The Broncos last reached the AFC Championship in 2015. They beat the Patriots that year and went on to win Super Bowl 50. The game ended when Tom Brady’s late two-point attempt was intercepted.
This time, both teams arrive with questions. The Patriots must replace their top pass rusher. The Broncos must trust a backup quarterback.
Sunday night will come down to which team handles those problems better.
