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The Patriots hit the practice field outside of Gillette Stadium on Monday for the final time before hitting the road. Starting tomorrow, New England is on the road for two weeks for joint practices and preseason games with the Packers and Titans.
Here’s everything that stood out in their pre-road trip practice:
Notes and Storylines: Offense
- Running back Pierre Strong Jr., who missed Sunday’s practice as well, was spotted during warm ups but was not in uniform. He ended up not participating in practice.
- Cole Strange, Kody Russey, and Bill Murray did not practice. Strange was later on the field post-workout, but did not participate.
- Calvin Anderson (NFI) and Mike Onwenu (PUP) strolled around the practice field in street clothes. Neither has practiced yet during training camp.
- The Patriots used the same starting off offensive line as Sunday: LT Trent Brown, LG Atonio Mafi, C David Andrews, RG Riley Reiff, RT Sidy Sow
- The toughest but more important news of Monday: during a tackling drill, tight end Mike Gesicki left practice with what looked to be an arm injury. He did not return to the session.
- Malik Cunningham saw more reps at quarterback. The repetitions are minimal, but the personnel groupings he’s with are noteworthy.
- Tyquan Thornton was once again involved on offense. After a brief “demotion” he’s back in the mix with the top unit.
- Kendrick Bourne had a great practice, with Mac Jones finding him all over the field. It was highlighted by a one-handed touchdown grab over Myles Bryant. Both Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster are starting to find a groove with Jones. The quarterback dropped a dime in the bucket to Smith-Schuster today, also over Bryant. A great throw.
Notes and Storylines: Defense
- Jonathan Jones was once again absent. The cornerback has not practiced with the Patriots in 11 days, his last session being August 3.
- Marcus Jones repped opposite Christian Gonzalez during team periods in Jonathan Jones’ absence. Isaiah Bolden and Jack Jones were the second pairing. An important note: Jack Jones’ next court date for his gun-related charges at Logan Airport is this Friday, August 18.
- Sam Roberts saw some reps along the defensive line.
- Nose tackle Carl Davis left practice at one point to work out with trainers, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. took his place on the interior.
- Carl Davis left practice to work out with trainers. Jeremiah Pharms Jr. saw time at nose tackle in his place.
- Josh Uche had several solid pass rush reps against OL Andrew Steuber, both would have been sacks in game action.
Notes and Storylines: Special teams
- Backed up into his own endzone, Baringer smoked a punt that traveled in the air for nearly five seconds. He had an up-and-down pracatice overall, but the sixth-round pick continues to look primed to be the teams top punter.
- As for the kick spot, Chad Ryland saw time today with Baringer as his holder after Nick Folk had been in the mix for a few days.
- Adrian Phillips lined up as personal protector on the punt team. He’s someone who I considered as potentially a surprise cut in the safety room, but his continued inclusion on special teams makes him less expendable.
- QB/WR Malik Cunningham also saw time at gunner on punt today. He’s now completed the trifecta of offense, defense, and special teams.
Player of the Day
Kendrick Bourne.
After a rough 2022, Bourne looks ready to be a quality contributor to this Patriots offense. Not only is focused, but his relationship with Mac Jones on (and off) the field puts him in line to be one of New England’s top pass catchers in 2023.
Media availability
We spoke with Kendrick Bourne, Jabrill Peppers and Matthew Slater among others following Patriots practice. Here’s what stood out:
“I feel good, man,” said Bourne after his solid practice. I feel the best I’ve ever felt. Best shape of my life.”
Bourne also touched on where the Patriots offense is at this point:
“Mac is doing a great job of controlling the offense… it feels more complex but it’s better. He also added that Jones looks poised.
Safety Jabrill Peppers spoke about rookie Keion White, saying that “he’s a freak athlete for his size. Explosive.”
On rookie Malik Cunningham, Peppers noted that, “he’s just done everything he’s asked to do. He tries to do it to the best of his ability.”
Special teamer Matthew Slater was also asked about Keion White, mentioning that there’s “not a whole lot of 290 pound men that are able to play on punt coverage. But we got one now.”
Wrap-Up and Takeaways
Monday’s practice was an overall win for the Patriots offense with Mac Jones and his wide receivers being on the same page and having success despite a lackluster offensive line. Hopefully they can continue this momentum versus the Packers.
As mentioned above, the Patriots are on the road for two weeks in Green Bay and Nashville. We’ll have you covered for all of it here on WEEI.com.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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