FOXBORO — Football is back.
Veterans reported to Gillette Stadium on Wednesday in preparation for Thursday’s first day of training camp. After getting a small glimpse of the 2019 Patriots this spring, we’ll finally get an idea of what this year’s squad is looking like.
The Patriots will fire out of the gate with five practices in a row, Thursday through Monday. The first four practices are open to the public. The fifth, on Monday, is an in-stadium [...]
FOXBORO — Football is back.
Veterans reported to Gillette Stadium on Wednesday in preparation for Thursday’s first day of training camp. After getting a small glimpse of the 2019 Patriots this spring, we’ll finally get an idea of what this year’s squad is looking like.
The Patriots will fire out of the gate with five practices in a row, Thursday through Monday. The first four practices are open to the public. The fifth, on Monday, is an in-stadium practice for season-ticket holders.
Players will be in shells for the first two practices, before practicing in pads for the first time on Saturday. That’s when the real football begins.
Coming off another Super Bowl win, the Patriots will look to do the improbable and get back to the title game for the fourth season in a row. It won’t be easy, but foundation is built during training camp.
Here are five things to watch over the next month:
Injuries
Not everyone will be at practice when training camp opens.
Julian Edelman is expected to miss up to the next three weeks with an injury to his left thumb. The Patriots also have six players starting camp on the physically unable to perform list: Sony Michel (knee), Demaryius Thomas (Achilles), Deatrich Wise (ankle), Nate Ebner, Cole Croston and Ken Webster. Third-round pick Yodny Cajuste (quad) will open up came on the non-football injury list.
If players on the PUP or NFI list don’t come off before Week 1 of the regular season, they won’t be able to play in a game until Week 7. So it’s worth monitoring that list and seeing when those players — and Edelman — return.
Wide receivers
Speaking of Edelman, the receiver position will be the focus of the summer. The depth chart is full of unknowns and question marks. With Edelman out, it’ll give more opportunity for other players to catch on with Tom Brady.
It’ll be interesting to watch the development of first-round pick N’Keal Harry. After a strong spring, Maurice Harris could benefit from Edelman's absence since he is capable of playing in the slot. Phillip Dorsett and Braxton Berrios could also see ample time in the first team offense. We’ll also monitor Dontrelle Inman, Jakobi Meyers, Damoun Patterson, Ryan Davis and Gunner Olszewski.
Josh Gordon remains suspended, but if he were to return, it’d be a giant boost for this offense.
Gronk Watch
Let the "Gronk Watch" begin. This summer, Rob Gronkowski was out in California, catching passes from Brady. After retiring, the tight end has been coy about his future plans. Could he return? Perhaps join the Patriots midseason?
We’ll see. Until then, the Patriots tight end group will try to rebound after losing one of the most dominant players to ever play the position. There's also a ton of question marks here. The expected starter Ben Watson will miss the first four games due to suspension. That leaves Matt LaCosse as the favorite to start. Stephen Anderson, Ryan Izzo and Andrew Beck round out the depth chart.
Cornerback competition
The Patriots are loaded at cornerback.
They return their entire depth chart from last season and also have a few new additions. Stephon Gilmore turned into arguably the best corner in the NFL last season. He looked the part this spring in OTAs. The Patriots re-signed veteran Jason McCourty and still have Jonathan Jones, J.C. Jackson, Duke Dawson and Keion Crossen. On top of all that, the Pats spent a second-round pick on JoeJuan Williams and a seventh on Webster.
Do the Patriots (or any team) need eight cornerbacks on the roster? No, but it’s hard to see what players outside of Webster the Patriots might cut. Perhaps someone like Jones is trade bait. Or maybe they transition a player or two to safety.
Front seven
The Patriots will have a different look this season on the defensive line after Trey Flowers signed with Detroit. To replace Flowers, the Pats traded for Michael Bennett. He’ll headline a group looking to move on from their best player. It’ll be interesting to see what defensive end gets the most reps this summer. It’s a big summer for players like Wise and Derek Rivers.
At linebacker, the Patriots brought Jamie Collins back. The Pro Bowler looked good this spring and could help with the pass rush. The Pats have nice depth at this position with Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Elandon Roberts.