FOXBOROUGH — Kind of a low-key practice under sunny skies and with mild temperatures, as the run game seemed to be the focal point. It was more physical, but not exactly a popping practice.
And away we go…
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Harmon back, but not practicing: S Duron Harmon, who was last seen clutching his right knee after landing awkwardly on Saturday, was back on the field, which indicates it’s not a serious injury. Jordan Richards got the bulk of Richards’ snaps as the third safety.
Jonathan Jones continues as third corner: After not seeing any nickel work during Saturday’s practice, the slot was back on Sunday and Jones was still in his spot while he battles the likes of Eric Rowe and Cyrus Jones.
Van Noy in mix on the edge: With news of Rob Ninkovich’s retirement the topic of the day, it was interesting to see LB Kyle Van Noy start taking snaps at outside linebacker. Interesting choice but not a huge surprise. He’s a bit of a end/linebacker tweener with some decent playing strength.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
Reserve/injured list: DL Corey Vereen.
Physically unable to perform list: LB Dont’a Hightower, DT Alan Branch.
Red non-contact jerseys: Just the quarterbacks, as usual.
Not participating: S Duron Harmon (right knee). Worked on the side: WR Danny Amendola, WR Malcolm Mitchell
Not seen on the field: LB Rob Ninkovich (retired), WR Cody Hollister (upper body injury).
Visitor: “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, who was scheduled to talk to the team.
DRESS CODE
Full pads.
TOP PLAYS
- Elandon Roberts (mostly) and Patrick Chung busted through the right side of the Patriots’ line to take down Brandon Bolden for a loss in a goal-line drill.
- Ted Karras getting a great seal of Kony Ealy to spring Dion Lewis for a touchdown.
- Rookie LT Anthony Garcia pancaked LB Kyle Van Noy during one-on-ones.
- Deatrich Wise, who is opening eyes, put TE James O’Shaughnessy on the ground during edge-sealing drills.
- Jonathan Freeney thought he had an interception on a trick play, but James White came out of nowhere to make the catch for a big gain.
- The OL won the day, 14-9-7. They were undefeated (6-0-2) on the first eight reps. A clean sweep for the OL starters.
- Rookie Derek Rivers didn't get any reps.
- Newcomers to this drill were Van Noy, McClellin and Langi. Likely Ninkovich repercussions.
- Fleming and Andrews bounced back from tough first days very well.
- Brown used was low-to-the-ground and strong when he had a decisive win against Mason.
- Douglas and Karras pancaked Butler and Hamilton, respectively, on back-to-back plays.
- Bill Belichick watched these drills closely with Ernie Adams.
- Rob Gronkowski dominated his “seal-the-edge” reps after struggling a little bit on Saturday.
- Tom Brady spent a lot of time giving center pointers to Ted Karras and James Ferentz before practice. Even showed them how to do a few things, and that included Brady getting into the snapping position.
- Matthew Slater, who has been dealing with something, did some rehab work.
- Jacoby Brissett and Rex Burkhard had to run a lap for poor handoff.
- Drops today: Sam Cotton. Meanwhile, Matthew Slater and Mike Gillislee failed to corral a couple of catchable balls, and while we're not sure we'd classify them as "drops," per se, they missed out on their chance for receptions.
- Still the same defensive line: Geneo Grissom, Lawrence Guy, Malcolm Brown, Trey Flowers.
- RB D.J. Foster fumbled a snap but picked it up and got around the corner.