With each passing day, we get closer to seeing the New England Patriots kick off their regular season campaign. Today marked a significant step in preparation for their first game, as fans witnessed their first joint practice with the Washington Commanders.

It was evident that fans are excited for this season, as they packed the facility to see the two teams square off before they play on Friday.

Even though it was a practice, fans observed a thrilling practice between the two, which included multiple scuffles.

Surprisingly enough, Mike Vrabel was involved in one and ended up getting hurt.

Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Hurt in Joint Practice Fight

Mike Vrabel ended up with a bloody right cheek in an attempt to break up a fight.

The scuffle between TreVeyon Henderson and a Commanders player was sparked when Henderson took the player to the ground in pass protection.

Vrabel came fleeing in to break up the two and ended up taking an accidental hit from Will Campbell. Fights are common in joint practices, as these practices mark the first time that teams play against others.

The intensity is high in these practices, with players competing for a roster spot in hot conditions. However, you never hear a coach end up in any of these scuffles.

What we’ve learned throughout his coaching career is that he’s no ordinary coach. Being a former player, he’ll coach up a player by involving himself in drills.

He’s a tough, no-nonsense guy, and today he showed some tenacity by jumping into the scuffle. Hopefully, the fight and toughness that Vrabel displayed will inspire the rest of the team this year.

Besides the bloody cheek, Vrabel didn’t suffer a serious injury. He continued on with practice with an ice pack on that cheek.