After holding a practice that was filled with injuries yesterday, the New England Patriots returned to the fields behind Gillette Stadium today: The team held its seventh overall training camp practice. But even though it was the third straight session in full pads, it was a rather light one compared to yesterday's; one that was highlighted by the 40th birthday of quarterback Tom Brady.
Here are today's highlights (via our live news ticker):
Attendance
Wide receiver Matthew Slater, who was shaken up yesterday, was a no-show today as was – for reasons yet unknown – starting left tackle Nate Solder. The duo joined rookie wideout Cody Hollister on the list of absentees.
Mike Gillislee, Chris Hogan, Duron Harmon, Malcolm Mitchell, James O'Shaughnessy and David Jones were spotted but did not partake in any drills.
Dont'a Hightower and Alan Branch remain on the physically unable to perform list; Andrew Jelks stays on the non-football injury list.
Injuries
Jonathan Jones was slow to get up after getting beaten by Austin Carr on a sideline pass from Jimmy Garoppolo. However, he finished the session without any noticeable limitations.
Offense
The quarterbacks, per the Providence Journal's Mark Daniels, performed as follows:
11-on-11s: Jimmy Garoppolo 6/14, INT; Jacoby Brissett 6/9 INT
Brady, who was the first player on the practice field today, was greeted with a spontaneous “Happy Birthday” rendition by the fans.
After getting shaken up the other day, Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan were present for today's session. Hogan wore a wrap on his right knee.
D.J. Foster had the catch of the day, a one-handed grab on a would-be overthrow by Brissett.
At one point, the entire starting offense left to practice on another field - one not observable by fans or the media. Shortly afterwards, the remaining offensive players were sent on a penalty lap.
With the first team gone, quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett were left with a wide receiver corps of Austin Carr, Devin Lucien, K.J. Maye and Tony Washington.
Defense
The starting secondary also retreated to the lower fields to join the offense at one point during the session.
Eric Rowe, who saw some time in the slot today, picked off Jacoby Brissett during team drills. Nate Ebner intercepted Jimmy Garoppolo during team drills.
Deatrich Wise Jr. and Harvey Langi, who would have gotten a sack on Brissett during team drills, again saw considerable reps with the first team defense.
Special teams
Rex Burkhead saw some reps as a member of the coverage units.
The Patriots will return to practice on tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. ET. Make sure to check out our training camp guide in case you want to visit the session.