Patriots 2018 training camp: Day 12 recap; Tom Brady’s workload increases during Sunday’s rainy practice

For the first time since their preseason opener on Thursday, the New England Patriots returned to the practice fields today. Despite the rainy weather, the team held a lively session behind Gillette Stadium. Let’s recap what happened:

Attendance

RB Sony Michel, RB Rex Burkhead, OT Marcus Cannon, and LB Harvey Langi were absent. (source) Burkhead, who did not play on Thursday, is a new addition to the list.

Brian Schwenke returned to practice after missing the last session as well as the game against Washington. (source)

WR Kenny Britt, WR Matthew Slater, OG Jason King, DE Trey Flowers, and CB Ryan Lewis were all limited participants. (source) Britt actually participated in positional drills before leaving for the lower field for workouts. (source)

CB Cyrus Jones and SS Nate Ebner returned to full action.

Injuries

There were no new injuries today. Hooray!

Offense

The quarterbacks performed as follows during 11-on-11 work: (source)

Tom Brady: 17/22

Brian Hoyer: 12/22

Danny Etling: 2/4

Despite reportedly dealing with a sore back, Tom Brady saw a considerably increased workload when compared to last week’s practices. He was his usual fantastic self. (source)

With Marcus Cannon still out, Isaiah Wynn saw some snaps at right tackle today with the top offensive line – a first for the first-round rookie, who might challenge LaAdrian Waddle for the top backup spot behind Cannon. (source)

Jeremy Hill was the lead running back with Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead both absent. (source)

Eric Decker started the day as the lone pass catcher working with Tom Brady. Later, however, he struggled with drops during a side session with the quarterbacks as well as Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, and Phillip Dorsett. (source)

Both Devin Lucien and Braxton Berrios made impressive catches. (source)

Defense

Second-year defensive edge Keionta Davis saw some reps with the first-team defense, as did rookie linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley: Davis took Trey Flowers’ spot along the defensive line; Bentley, who had a very good preseason opener, played in base formations alongside Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. (source)

Jonathan Jones played as the slot cornerback alongside nominal starters Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe. (source)

Special teams

Jason McCourty was used as a kickoff returner. (source)