FOXBOROUGH- It was scorcher today at Patriots Training Camp as temperatures soared into the mid-90’s but that did not stop the team from having another productive practice.
The team was in shells but the intensity and effort was still there as the competition is ramping up ahead of Friday night’s in stadium practice and next week’s joint practice and preseason game against the Washington Commanders.
Here are some observations from today’s practice.
Gonzalez out for the week: Mike Vrabel told the assembled media this morning that cornerback Christian Gonzalez is going to be out for the rest of this week with a hamstring injury. It is not a surprise as the Patriots are taking it easy with the third year cornerback. There is no need to rush him back. If Gonzalez is ready, bring him back ahead of the next week’s joint practice and let him get some reps. It is not like he is playing in the preseason game.
Campbell’s Soup: Will Campbell struggled today both in drills and team periods. Former LSU Tiger K’Lavon Chaisson has especially had his way with him. Campbell is clearly showing some growing pains adjusting to the speed of the game in the NFL. Yes, part of the problem is his arm length but it is not the entire issue. Campbell is also abandoning his technique and trying to overcompensate as a pass blocker. He clearly needs more time and development and the Patriots cannot rush him.
Wilson elevated to starting left guard reps: Rookie center/guard Jared Wilson took reps with the first unit at left guard today. It is yet another sign that the Patriots are happy with his development and see him as a potential starter along the offensive line. Cole Strange took reps with the second unit and Caedan Wallace repped with both the second and third unit as he is also in the left guard mix. One guy isn’t in the mix right now is Layden Robinson. The second year guard isn’t getting enough reps right now to be a factor at left guard.
Boutte #2 receiver?: Kayshon Boutte continues to impress in training camp and repping opposite Stefon Diggs in 11 and 12 personnel is a sign that the offensive staff trusts him and see him as a fit in the system. Repping in 12 personnel is a big deal because you traditionally line up your two best receivers with your two tight ends. It is early but the fact that Boutte is repping in this personnel grouping shows you what the coaching staff thinks of him.
Leaving early: RB Antonio Gibson, DE Keion White and OL Sidy Sow all left practice early. It wasn’t readily apparent why they did but they did not practice most of the day. The Patriots have not provided an update as to why they left practice.
Mazzulla on hand: Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was at practice today. Mazzulla and Mike Vrabel have formed a strong relationship since Vrabel’s arrival in January. Vrabel attended a Celtics practice in February.
Vrabel praised Mazzulla and expressed an appreciation for his friendship and support.
“Joe’s fantastic. I mean, I just appreciate him just from the time that I got here, reaching out. We’re probably are different personalities, and I think that that’s probably the thing I appreciate most about him. He’s always trying to learn and gain knowledge, different ways about building a team, about strategy, about scheme, about inspiring players to do their job better. So, I always love my conversations with him and I’m excited that he could come out here with his son today. His son’s a football player, outside linebacker.”
Maye Day: Drake Maye was uneven on Tuesday but bounced nicely on Wednesday going 11-of-14 in team periods including a 40 yard bomb to Kyle Williams on a fade for a touchdown. Maye was more on time and in rhythm and it showed in his performance. Now the goal is to finish the rest of the week strong.