Patriots training camp: Defense dominates; Brady and Michel return

FOXBORO – On Day 3 of Patriots training camp, the pads came on and Tom Brady returned.

The quarterback suited up after receiving an off day on Friday, but he had a light day. On Saturday, the Patriots held a shorter practice with the focus of installing the run game. Brady wasn’t the only player to return, either.

Sony Michel came off the physically unable to perform list on Saturday. The second-year running back was a limited participant and left the main [...]

FOXBORO – On Day 3 of Patriots training camp, the pads came on and Tom Brady returned.

The quarterback suited up after receiving an off day on Friday, but he had a light day. On Saturday, the Patriots held a shorter practice with the focus of installing the run game. Brady wasn’t the only player to return, either.

Sony Michel came off the physically unable to perform list on Saturday. The second-year running back was a limited participant and left the main practice field as teams focused on full-team drills. David Andrews also returned to practice, but didn’t participate. The Patriots center worked on conditioning while his teammates practiced.

When Brady threw the ball on Saturday, things didn’t go well. The quarterback finished 0/4 in full-team drills and 2/4 in 7-on-7s. Brady’s first two passes were deflected by Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson.  Brady also had a side session with rookies N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers.

Brain Hoyer went 2/2 in full-team drills and 2/2 in 7-on-7s. Jarrett Stidham went 2/2 in full-team drills and 1/2 in 7-on-7s.

Jackson made the play of the day by deflecting a Brady deep ball intended for Phillip Dorsett. The catch of the day went to Harry, who jumped over Jackson for a touchdown. Hoyer was so excited afterward that he ran to the end zone to congratulate the rookie.

Byron Cowart didn’t practice after leaving Friday’s session early with an apparent injury. Michael Bennett still hasn’t reported to camp. On Saturday, Nick Caserio said Bennett was out due to personal reasons.

Nate Ebner, Demaryius Thomas, Cole Croston and Ken Webster are still on the PUP list. Julian Edelman and Yodny Cajuste remain on the non-football injury list. Patrick Chung remained in a red non-contact jersey.

Next up, the Patriots return to practice on Sunday. The gates open at 8 a.m. and practice starts at 9:15 a.m.