Patriots 2018 training camp: Day seven recap; New England has most intense practice of the summer

The New England Patriots were back on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium yesterday for another full-pads session. Practicing in tough conditions – temperatures were in the low 90s – the entire team had its most productive day when it comes to speed and intensity.

Let’s recap the action:

Attendance

RB Sony Michel, OT Marcus Cannon, and OG Nate Theaker were not present. (source) Theaker, of course, was released to make room for WR Eric Decker.

WR Matthew Slater wore full pads, which is an indication that the team has activated him off the PUP list. RB Mike Gillislee, wearing a red non-contact jersey, and CB Keion Crossen also returned. (source) Slater and Crossen later worked out with the PUP group.

WR Kenny Britt, CB Jonathan Jones, CB Cyrus Jones, and SS Nate Ebner were present bud did not participate in any drills. (source)

Injuries

Malcom Brown stayed down on the ground at one point. (source)

Jason King limped off the field. (source)

Offense

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

Tom Brady: 12/17

Brian Hoyer: 7/11

Danny Etling: 2/5

The quarterbacks performed as follows during 7-on-7 work: (source)

Tom Brady: 4/5

Brian Hoyer: 2/3

Tom Brady had arguably his best day of camp. He delivered some great throws and was the emotional leader the Patriots need him to be. (source)

Another day, another Cordarrelle Patterson highlight: the first-year Patriot out-jumped Jason McCourty during one-on-ones to make an impressive one-handed catch. (source) Later, Patterson hauled in a 60-yard score by burning Jordan Richards. (source)

Phillip Dorsett also continued to stand out, catching two closely contested passes during the session – one of which a 50-yard bomb. (source)

Riley McCarron is starting to get more reps with Tom Brady. (source)

Defense

Second-year cornerback Ryan Lewis continues his good work from the last few days by completely shutting down Phillip Dorsett during one one-on-one rep. (source)

Kyle Van Noy also had another strong session, and continues making plays against the pass. (source)

Adrian Clayborn had a disruptive 11-on-11 session, and would have come up with a sack if he were allowed to follow through. (source)

Trey Flowers, on the other hand, continues his rather quiet training camp. (source)

Rookie J.C. Jackson came close to intercepting Brian Hoyer on a two-point pass attempt. (source)

Special teams

For the first time all training camp, Corey Bojorquez was asked to hold on field goal attempts. The punter competition is alive and well, it seems. (source)

Miscellaneous

Adrian Clayborn was again the first player on the field. (source)

Drew Rosenhaus, the agent of Rob Gronkowski, Phillip Dorsett, and Trent Brown, was present for the session. (source)

Ex-Arizona State head coach Todd Graham was also present. (source) Graham, of course, was part of the Patriots delegation at the scouting combine and was later rumored that he might join the staff. So far, however, he has not.

New England ended the session by having the offense play defense and vice versa. #fun (source)

The Patriots will be back on the practice fields today at 9:15 a.m. ET.