A noticeable slide down the practice rotation raised questions about where Kyle Williams stands with the New England Patriots.
Mike Vrabel doesn’t sound nearly as concerned.
Williams has spent time with the third-team offense during training camp, a development that landed him in the “stock down” section of Boston.com’s latest Patriots training camp stock watch.
The report noted that the 2025 third-round pick had yet to consistently stand out through the first 11 practices despite entering the summer as a potential breakout candidate.
Vrabel offered a much different outlook Friday when asked about the second-year receiver.
“I really, really know that Kyle is going to help us. His speed is going to help us,” Vrabel said, according to MassLive’s Doug Kyed.
From HC Mike Vrabel:
“I really, really know that Kyle is going to help us. His speed is going to help us. And I don’t want to use this and get this to be overblown, but I’m going to use the word
Vrabel added that the coaching staff plans to “scheme” opportunities for Williams and expects him to be a “large part” of what New England does offensively.
Those comments amounted to a strong vote of confidence at a time when Williams’ recent practice usage had created uncertainty around his role.
Vrabel Pushes Back After Williams Slides Down Practice Rotation
GettyFOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 01: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots shakes hands with Kyle Williams #18 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on December 01, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Williams’ situation stood out even more Wednesday with Romeo Doubs unavailable.
Despite the opening, A.J. Brown, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Efton Chism were among the receivers getting opportunities with the top offense.
A walkthrough that day also saw Chism receive increased first-team work with Doubs absent, per Pats Pulpit.
That is a difficult development to ignore for a former third-round pick entering his second season, particularly in a stuffed receiver room.
Vrabel, however, put some of the responsibility for Williams’ usage on the coaching staff.
He said it falls on himself and the offensive coaches to find positions where Williams’ speed can show up rather than relying entirely on opportunities that emerge through the normal installation process.
His comments suggest the practice rotation may say less about the Patriots’ long-term view of Williams than it initially appeared.
New England has several receivers competing for touches, with Brown and Doubs positioned for big roles and Boutte continuing to produce during camp.
Williams offers an alternative angle, and Vrabel appears determined to make use of it.
Patriots Have Already Seen What Williams’ Speed Can Do
GettyFOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Kyle Williams #18 of the New England Patriots runs the ball in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Williams didn’t receive a heavy workload as a rookie, finishing with 10 receptions on 21 targets.
His 209 receiving yards still produced an eye-catching average of 20.9 yards per catch, while three of his 10 receptions went for touchdowns.
His biggest flash came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in November.
Williams turned a pass from Drake Maye into a 72-yard touchdown and reached 21.78 mph on the play. The Patriots’ film review following the game credited Williams with showing his big-play ability when given an expanded role.
That type of explosiveness explains Vrabel’s reluctance to let a few practices define Williams’ outlook.
There remains considerable competition for snaps, and getting work with the third-team offense is worth monitoring as New England moves closer to preseason games and roster decisions.
Vrabel’s message Friday, nevertheless, showed a clear-cut counter to the idea that Williams is fading out of the offensive picture.
The Patriots still expect his opportunities to come. Vrabel now wants his coaching staff to make sure they do.
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