A nasty rainstorm forced Patriots training camp into the Waste Innovations fieldhouse Monday, meaning the team’s practice was closed to the public. Here are a few notable takeaways from the two-hour practice:
Thumb “down” for A.J. Brown among thumbs up day
A.J. Brown sustained some contact on his left thumb while going against Christian Gonzalez in a competitive 1-on-1 drill. The two battled while tracking the ball through the air from Drake Maye towards the near corner of the endzone, and Gonzalez came up with it. Brown then took off his left glove and shook the hand out. A staffer joined him midfield and appeared to examine his thumb. Brown rejoined the wide receiver group after a brief talk and participated fully in the rest of practice.
Brown then described the contact as a “dislocated thumb” to NFL Network, and confirmed he had it taped to go back in.
“I’m not coming out of practice with a thumb out of place,” he laughed. The multiple touchdowns he scored after the injury showed he felt well enough.
Williams’ absence opens door for Efton Chism
Kyle Williams wasn’t seen practicing Monday, opening up the opportunity for some reps with the first-team for returning receiver Efton Chism. Williams reportedly left practice early on Saturday and his current status is unclear. Every day can count in a wide receiver room crowded by Brown, Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Mack Hollins, in addition to Williams and Chism.
Both Boutte and Hollins had significant play with backup quarterback Tommy DeVito.
Gabe Jacas playing catchup
The Patriots man of mystery from earlier this summer participated in competitive team periods Monday, but it was some of his practice beforehand that may be more notable. Head coach Mike Vrabel spent the majority of an entire practice period working exclusively with Jacas, honing his technique on special teams.
Despite getting off on an awkward foot with Jacas’ health and contract, it looks like the Patriots hope to get Jacas up to speed as quickly as possible, as New England’s edge position is up in the air. Dre’Mont Jones should fill some of the void left by K’Lavon Chaisson’s departure in free agency, but Harold Landry III remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Defensive tackle Milton Williams voiced his confidence in Jacas after Monday’s practice. He shared that he connected with him before he came to New England and felt good about “the type of person he is.”
“I saw him working, he was ready to be back,” he said.
He also shared that Vrabel has been teasing the rookie class by making them share their signing bonus and the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money they made in college when they address the team in meetings.
“He’s been up there five times,” Williams laughed.
Third down sirens
The coaching staff deployed a creative element of distraction on third downs during one of the 11-on-11 team periods of practice. In the bubble, where everything is already a bit louder than out on the practice fields anyway, they blasted police sirens from the speakers during third-and-short situations. The media was warned well ahead of time that it would be an extremely loud and distracting part of the day. One has to wonder whether the reality of facing the “12th Man” out in Seattle to open the season is already on coaches’ minds.
Brown vs. Gonzalez heats up
Monday was packed full of jawing back-and-forth between the offense and defense, and the ongoing chess match between two elite players in Brown and Gonzalez was no exception. Brown caught a touchdown from Maye with Gonzalez in coverage during 7-on-7s and gave the cornerback a little bark after the catch.
Brown came up like a volleyball player to spike down a pass from Maye intended for Brown towards the end of practice in 11-on-11s, but Brown got his goat on the very next down, burning a seemingly caught-off-guard Gonzalez on a crossing route.
Despite the chirping, safety Kevin Byard said he doesn’t except a fracas to break out between teammates this camp.
“We’re not about to start throwing hands or nothing like that,” he said after practice.
