Plenty of storylines to look ahead to in what could be a wet and wild day in Foxboro. 

The forecast is for heavy rain this afternoon and you know Bill Belichick will never pass up an opportunity to practice in the rain so expect the Patriots to practice. 

Bring your umbrella. 

Here are five things we are watching in today’s practice. 

1. Thornton Gate- Tyquan Thornton worked with Bailey Zappe and the second unit yesterday. It created quite the buzz in the media tent but in reality, it means nothing. The Patriots are simply mixing and matching skill groups. It will be interesting to see which quarterback he works with today. 

2. Jonathan Jones status- Jones did not practice on Friday or yesterday. Will he return today? Who knows? It is unclear when he got hurt last week or if he is even hurt. We will find out if get returns today.

3. More Mapu at safety? Rookie hybrid Marte Mapu has been getting reps as a deep half safety in recent practices. It will be interesting to see if the Patriots keep repping him there ahead of Thursday’s pre-season game against the Houston Texans. Mapu’s versatility has really stuck out in this camp thus far.

4. Refs in the house- The Patriots will have officials at today’s practice. It will give them an opportunity to work on things and adjust to any new rule changes. It also gives Bill Beluchick and his staff an opportunity to ask any questions they may have when a situation arises at practice. 

5. Kicker battle- Nick Folk and Chad Ryland are in quite the competition. Ryland has a big keg and we have seen it so far I practice. Folk has held his own but the 38 year old will have a hard time keeping his job.