New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel offered an update on veteran edge rusher Harold Landry on Friday as the team prepares for the New York Jets.

Landry has been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of the season. The team has exercised caution in bringing him back, as he recovers from the knee surgery he underwent during the offseason. Landry, a former Pro Bowl defender, led the Patriots with 8.5 sacks last season.

His absence has opened the door for other Patriots players to step up on the defensive front, including Elijah Ponder and rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas.

"Well of course the plan for him would be to return at some point when he's ready to go... he just isn't ready to go yet," Vrabel told reporters, via Patriots Wire's Sophie Weller.

Getting Landry back on the defensive side of the ball would be a major boost to the Patriots' pass rush.

Ponder is experiencing a breakout season, and Jacas has impressed early in his rookie year. Meanwhile, Dre'Mont Jones has given the unit an experienced veteran playmaker who can create pressure and defend against the run. The Patriots aren't loaded with names on the edge, but they have consistently found ways to make plays.

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