After an off day yesterday, the Patriots were back at it in full pads today. One significant injury addition is Donald Brown, who was seen talking with trainers on Monday night and was absent today. With Dion Lewis still out on PUP, and LeGarrette Blount being eased back from a hip injury this leaves the two RBs we limped to the finish with last year (White & Bolden), Tyler Gaffney, who’s missed his first two seasons with injuries and undrafted rookie (who’s primarily a pass-catcher) DJ Foster.
My worries about the running back position are well-documented and I hoped that maybe Donald Brown could revive his career, though I wasn’t expecting it. Now that Brown is out the lack of healthy depth is pretty glaring. I sincerely expect at least one more addition at the position and probably more over the course of the season.
Anyway, here are the tweets that stood out from today’s practice:
The crowd at #PatsCamp singing Happy Birthday for #TB12! https://t.co/nf7GtcLSVZ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 3, 2016
Happy Bday, Tom. I guess. 39. One away from 40. Can we give him Benjamin Button disease now please?
Malcolm Mitchell’s hands are really quick. You can tell when he’s the guy who makes the catch.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 3, 2016
Mitchell continues to show up. My biggest hope is that he can stay healthy, because missing any practice time at this point could really set him back. With Chris Hogan now nursing an injury, Mitchell’s reps should only increase. Really excited to see him play next week.
Markus Kuhn was playing next to Malcom Brown. More Rob Ninkovich at linebacker as well today.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 3, 2016
Kuhn’s been showing up a lot in the early days, getting plenty of reps with the top unit next to Brown. He was under the radar this offseason, but is an experienced pro and could carve out a role for himself.
Cam Fleming started practice playing at right tackle opposite of Nate Solder. Cannon has typically been in that spot.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 3, 2016
Don’t think anyone will be complaining about Cannon taking a back seat.
Jonathan Jones has been a nice surprise. Looks like he’s ahead of Roberts, Biggers, etc. for that fifth CB spot. Still hasn’t lost a 1v1
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 3, 2016
Generally most of us saw it as Jones vs. Roberts for the fifth spot and so far that’s played out. Long way to go still.
DT Alan Branch, who opened training camp on the non-football injury list, practiced for the first time today.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 3, 2016
Good to have the big man back.
Rookie G Joe Thuney stood out in 1-on-1s, handling Malcom Brown and Terrance Knighton in consecutive reps.
— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) August 3, 2016
Another real surprise is just how solid Thuney has been. Those are two really good defensive tackles, both with different styles. Thuney stopping both of them is really noteworthy. I’m excited about the rookie.
Brady was 16 of 25 in team drills. Garoppolo 13 of 21. Brissett 4 of 5.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 3, 2016
Rep report!
