Patriots open Brenden Schooler’s window to return from non-football injury list

On October 5, 2025, New England Patriots player Brenden Schooler practiced alongside his teammates after sitting out the entirety of training camp. Schooler, the Patriots' 2025 captain, had remained on the non-football injury list since the NFL's 53-man roster deadline passed in August. However, as of late September, a 21-day window to return has now been opened under new league rules.

Typically, roster activation can occur only after the fourth week of the regular season, which means that Schooler could potentially return as early as Week 5. The game against the Las Vegas Raiders, scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium, will still proceed without No. 41. Schooler, 29, has made 66 appearances since joining the organization as an undrafted rookie in 2022, earning All-Rookie, Pro Bowl, and first-team All-Pro honors.

With 1,433 special teams snaps and 93 defense snaps to his name, Schooler has contributed with 59 combined tackles, two sacks, four fumble recoveries, and one blocked field goal and punt. Despite the absence of veteran outside linebacker Harold Landry III, who remains on the PUP list, the Patriots will continue their preparations for upcoming road games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills.