Here are our instant observations from the fifth day of the New England Patriots’ 2019 training camp at Gillette Stadium on Monday.
Absent: DE Byron Cowart, WR Dontrelle Inman. Those on the PUP and NFI lists still include WR Julian Edelman, WR Demaryius Thomas, OT Yodny Cajuste, S Nate Ebner, CB Ken Webster and OT Cole Croston also not practicing.
Limited: DE Deatrich Wise and LT Isaiah Wynn.
Pads: Shells. No contact.
Observations:
- The practice took place in Gillette Stadium, as opposed to the typical location, the practice fields behind the stadium. There were thousands of fans — either season-ticket holders or Foxborough-natives — in attendance. Even so, the Patriots didn’t do a whole lot, taking a walkthrough approach and not doing any reps beyond half speed.
- Center David Andrews was getting plenty of work at center during the practice during half-speed reps. Isaiah Wynn (Achilles), however, is still watching while Dan Skipper plays at left tackle.
- Patrick Chung spent a good portion of practice serving as a scout-team running back. It felt a bit like a homage to Rodney Harrison, who was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Monday night. Harrison was famous for practicing at just about any position Bill Belichick ask him to play.
- On that note, Bill Belichick finished his press conference on Monday by speaking about Harrison: “Those kinds of players make you a great coach.” It’s a nice compliment to Harrison, among the many he received during his induction.
- A few rookie mistakes under the bright lights. Receiver N’Keal Harry dropped a deep pass from Brady, even though the defense wasn’t going full speed. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham also overthrew a wide open James White on a wheel route. Stidham might get a pass, considering half-speed could make timing a bit harder.
