New England Patriots Vrabel: Patriots rookie Gabe Jacas is getting closer to participating in training camp “I would say that he’s closer to the return-to-play element that we talk about a lot." Gabe Jacas is getting closer and closer to a return. Speaking to the media on Thursday, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said that 2026 second-round pick Gabe Jacas is getting closer and closer to a return to the practice field. “I would say that he’s closer to the return-to-play element that we talk about a lot. (He’s) transitioning to (director of sports performance) Frank (Piraino) and his crew and getting closer.