The New England Patriots had just one tight end, Devin Asiasi, fully participating in practice on Tuesday. Tight ends Jonnu Smith, Matt LaCosse and Troy Fumagalli were not dressed for practice, instead watching from the sideline. Hunter Henry, meanwhile, only participated in warmups before heading to the rehab field with other injured players.
That’s rough news for a Patriots offense that was supposed to be centered around its tight end group. This offseason, New England signed Henry and Smith to big contracts, each averaging $12.5 million per year. But both tight ends have struggled with bouts of injuries in training camp. Henry is dealing with a shoulder injury. Smith suffered an apparent hamstring injury in minicamp and then an ankle injury in training camp.
The Patriots have exactly one fully active tight end today: Devin Asiasi.
Jonnu Smith, Matt LaCosse and Troy Fumagalli aren't in uniform, and Hunter Henry just split off to the rehab field after warmups.
We'll probably see Jakob Johnson taking reps there, too.
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 17, 2021
The Patriots have four weeks to get their tight ends healthy and caught up to speed in order to prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
