FOXBOROUGH — After a few days off over the weekend, the Patriots returned to the practice field to prepare for the joint sessions against the Giants and the final preseason game on Sunday.
The session lasted roughly two hours and was on the lower grass field behind Gillette Stadium, which is a change from the typical upper grass fields.
The big story was Cam Newton not being present following some “misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities,” but the team did get some of their injured players back.
Jonnu Smith, Nick Folk, Joe Cardona, Josh Uche, Lawrence Guy and Anfernee Jennings all returned, although Jennings left midway through the session.
Besides Newton, N’Keal Harry, Tre Nixon, Matt LaCosse and Myles Bryant were the players missing who are not on PUP and NFI. Stephon Gilmore, Jarrett Stidham, Terez Hall and Bryon Coward remain on PUP, while Cameron McGrone and Joshuah Bledsoe are on NFI.
Here are some observations from the session.
— With Newton out, Jones got extended reps with the first-term offense, but had perhaps his most inconsistent day of the summer. Jones started 1-for-6 in his first 11-on-11 period, which was an indication of how the day went, although he did improve towards the end. By in large, he had more poor throws than great ones.
There was a lot of work on the two-minute offense, which Jones has done fairly well at to this point in the summer. It looked like the team simulated an end of the half/game situation, which Jones had an issue with in Thursday’s game, where it was OK for him to throw an incomplete pass to stop the clock.
The rookie did finish strong with a touchdown throw to Gunner Olszewski near the goal-line with JC Jackson in coverage.
— Overall, it was not the best day for Jones, but that’s all it was — one day. As we’ve seen in other instances this summer, he’s bounced back in a big way from poor sessions, so it will be worth watching how he handles Tuesday and then Wednesday and Thursday’s joint practices. With Newton off the field, this is a big week for Jones.
— Kendrick Bourne had the catch of the day from Jones, also with Jackson in coverage. It came on a dig route and the receiver made a great diving play in two-minute work.
— After missing Thursday’s game against the Eagles, Jonathan Jones and Smith were full participants. Guy and Hunter Henry were not. It’s worth watching Henry as he’s yet to play in a preseason game and if he’s not ready for a practice with just the Patriots, will he be ready the joint sessions in a few days?
— Rhamondre Stevenson continues to get increased reps, which shows he’s pushing to have a role with the offense and not just be in for a red-shirt year.
— Folk got all the field goal kicks on the main field, which comes following rookie Quinn Nordin struggling Thursday in Philly. It was hard to see exactly how he did due to the angle the media was at and no officials. But, all indications are if he’s healthy he will be the starting kicker.
— The Patriots will practice with themselves Tuesday before hosting the Giants for joint practices Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. on the upper grass fields behind Gillette stadium. They are open to the public.