Notes from Patriots Training Camp: 8/18

Today, the New England Patriots once again hit the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. It was the team's second consecutive session and 14th overall practice of their 2015 training camp. With the Patriots traveling to West Virginia later today to hold joint practices with the New Orleans Saints, today's session was more of a walk-through, though – it lasted a little more than one hour and the team wore shells and shorts.

The following players missed today's session: Trey Flowers, Darryl Roberts, Rufus Johnson, Jake Bequette, Joe Vellano, L.J. Fort (UPDATE: he has been released), Brandon LaFell, Ryan Wendell, Chris Jones, Josh Kline and Tom Brady.

Brady and Kline are new absentees as both practiced yesterday and did not appear to suffer any injuries. While we do not know the reason for Kline's absence, Tom Brady's seems to be related to the second settlement-hearing regarding his Deflategate-suspension, which is scheduled to take place in New York City tomorrow. While Judge Berman indicated that Brady (as well as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell) is not required to be present for tomorrow's hearing, it looks as if he will be.

The second story from the injury/absence department is that rookie right guard Tre' Jackson did practice today. He left yesterday's session with what looked like a heat-related injury (maybe cramps). Seeing Jackson back on the field is definitely a good sign for a unit, that is slowly getting healthier, as Bryan Stork also works his way back from injury. New England's starting center was one of six players doing rehabilitative work on one of the lower practice fields. Stork was joined by Scott Chandler, Travaris Cadet, Caylin Hauptman, Aaron Dobson and Dane Fletcher.

It has to be seen if the players, who are not 100% healthy, will travel to West Virginia with the team.