[ad_1]
It was an interesting start to the New England Patriots’ final week of their 2021 preseason. News broke Monday morning that quarterback Cam Newton was not on the field at the start of practice in because of the league’s Covid-19 protocols and a “misunderstanding of testing outside of NFL facilities.”
With Newton out, Mac Jones became the quarterback who spent the majority of days with the first team while Brian Hoyer led both. As the Patriots prepare for two joint practices with the New York Giants this week, Newton’s absence opens the door for Jones, who now has a big opportunity ahead of him.
Presence
Non-participants: QB Cam Newton, WR N’Keal Harry, WR Tre Nixon, TE Matt LaCosse, CB / S Myles Bryant
PUP / NFI: QB Jarrett Stidham (PUP), CB Stephon Gilmore (PUP), S Joshuah Bledsoe (NFI), LB Cameron McGrone (NFI), LB Terez Hall (PUP), DT Byron Cowart (PUP)
Returnees: LB Josh Uche, TE Jonnu Smith, K Nick Folk, LS Joe Cardona, LB Anfernee Jennings, DT Lawrence Guy
While Newton’s absence was the biggest news of the day, the Patriots also saw some important players return to practice. Among them was second-year linebacker Josh Uche, who left last Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles with an undisclosed injury.
Injuries
CB Dee Virgin: Virgin was examined by head coach Jim Whalen midway through the session, but returned to training.
DT Nick Thurman: Thurman also spent time with Whalen, but then went to the locker room.
Take away food
Mac Jones dominates reps in a top-down workout: Cam Newton being out opens the door for the rookie to go their separate ways in a tight quarterback battle, and on Monday he saw plenty of action: As portrayed by Evan Lazar of CLNS Media, Jones took on 31 reps from the premiere. team while Hoyer threw just 10 passes in Monday practice.
The rookie of the first round would have connected on 17 of the 31 throws during the competitive exercises. He showed flashes of the pace and timing needed to pull off a Josh McDaniel attack, but also had some ups and downs: Jones only got 9 for 21 in the first period at 11-11 against the starters. from New England.
With Newton set to be out until at least Thursday, Jones will continue to have his hands full as he and Hoyer are the only other quarterbacks currently on the roster. Jones is expected to have consistent first-team reps, including against the Giants on Wednesday.
Jonnu Smith returns to training, while Hunter Henry remains limited: Monday’s practice was good news for the Patriots after a tough week at the tight end position. Smith returned to training and was in full swing after injuring his ankle last Sunday and being away all week in Philadelphia.
Hunter Henry continued to show up for training but was limited as he continues to treat a shoulder injury suffered a few weeks ago.
Joejuan Williams continues to see entry-level reps: Halfway through his third NFL training camp, Joejuan Williams seems to have finally hit his stride. On Monday he would have seen plenty of action again with the first team defense as the outside cornerback against JC Jackson.
Stephon Gilmore remains on the list for those physically unable to play.
Nick Folk is inconsistent in his return: After Quinn Nordin was inconsistent in Thursday night’s win, the Patriots brought veteran Nick Folk back to the field and he monopolized the kicking opportunities. His undisclosed injury forced him to miss 10 practices as well as the first two preseason games.
Folk went 3-for-5 on field goal attempts about 40 yards. The Patriots will look to maintain the consistency they got from Folk last year after scoring 93 percent of their field goals a season ago.
[ad_2]
Source link