FOXBOROUGH — Practice No. 7 is in the books. We have everything you need to know, including four up and two down from today's session...
TWO THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Patriots dial it back: After going hard for two days in full pads, the Patriots were in shells and conducted practice largely at a jogthrough pace and the session included some work against cards (either their own plays or an upcoming opponent). Bill Belichick said this was a day to take a step back.
"A couple day in pads here, so today we won't be in pads," Belichick said. "We'll be in shells and try to clean up a few things from the last couple of days that need to be worked out and get back at it. Last couple days of the week here and finish up in the stadium. This week's rolling along, a lot of work to do, making progress but a long way to go. So just keep stringing these days together."
What did the Patriots have to clean up?
"Everything. Yeah, just a lot of communication, techniques, adjustments," he said.
With Friday's session in the session for season ticket holders and Foxboro residents — it's always a light affair — and then an off day on Saturday, it would make sense for the Patriots to go hard in pads Thursday. Could be a big barometer, almost a first-quarter exam.
Rhamondre Stevenson on the sidelines, Hoyer returns: The second-year running back appeared to sustain some type of injury during Tuesday's session and he powered through, but he didn't take part today. Brian Hoyer, who had missed the previous four practices, was back in his red jersey and worked on the rehab field. Devin McCourty appeared to receive his second vet day of rest as he largely watched practice.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
Out: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (unknown).
Limited: S Devin McCourty, DE Deatrich Wise (unknown), S Jabrill Peppers, C David Andrews, RG Mike Onwenu.
New injury: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (unknown).
Returned to practice: QB Brian Hoyer (unknown).
Physically unable to perform list: RB James White
Non-football injury list: OL Chasen Hines, OL Andrew Stueber.
Red non-contact jerseys: QBs.
DRESS CODE
Shells.
LENGTH OF PRACTICE
1:45 under hot, sunny conditions.
QB STATS
Mac Jones: No significant competitive reps.
Bailey Zappe: No significant competitive reps.
HANDS TEAM
Fumbles: None.
Drops: Asiasi
Pass breakups: Phillips, Mills.
Interception: Mitchell (Jones).
Sacks/pressures: Judon, Wilson, Ray, Pharms Jr..
TOP PLAYS
- Zappe with a nice deep pass to Kristian Wilkerson over Wade.
FOUR UP
Jakobi Meyers: Had several receptions and was Mr. Reliable once again.
Marcus Jones: Getting a lot of work as punt returner, along with Myles Bryant, and seems to have reliable hands and some quick moves.
Mack Wilson: Makes an impact every day with either a big hit, or a sack, like he had today.
"Mack's done a good job for us," Belichick said. "He came in the spring, he was really an outstanding worker all spring and learned some different things that we do here. But he's adaptive well. He's been productive on defense and in the kicking game so far. We look forward to seeing him out there."
Davon Godchaux: They can't block him inside on the run game. Either that's a great sign for him, or a bad sign for the run blocking.
TWO DOWN
Pierre Strong: Received more reps today but didn't appear to do all that much with them.
Shaun Wade: Got burned by Wilkerson and has had a tough time overall covering. Seems to be sliding down the depth chart.
QUICK HITS
- Isaiah Wynn received a few LT snaps today.
- Despite it being a slower pace, the offense struggled again in the only somewhat competitive period in the red zone to end practice. On the first play, Jones found Kendrick Bourne but Godchaux had a pressure and possible sack. Damien Harris went nowhere on second down. Anfernee Jennings/Matthew Judon combined for another sack. Ty Montgomery ran for a short gain inside, and Wilson ended the session with a sack by beating James Ferentz.
- Jennings said he's stayed in contact with Dont'a Hightower and the former linebacker is staying in shape.
- Jennings has been very good so far after missing much of last season. "Yeah, the big thing with Anfernee [Jennings] is he's out there," Belichick said. "So he's been out there every day. He's working. Of course, if you're working, you're improving. It's good to have him out there and he's made progress every day. He'll get some good opportunities coming up in the near future along with some other guys in that position and we'll see how it turns out. But it's good to have him out there.
- Belichick wouldn't touch the Dolphins' tampering ruling. "I'm not really worried about that, just trying to have a good training camp here."
SCHEDULE
Thursday: 9:30 a.m.
Friday, 7 p.m.: In-stadium practice for season ticket holders and Foxborough residents.
Saturday: OFF