Patriots 2019 minicamp recap: Tom Brady steals the show in his return to practice

Earlier today, the New England Patriots kicked off their 2019 mandatory minicamp. The two-hour session behind Gillette Stadium took place in perfect conditions, and with the world champions’ biggest star in attendance for the first time all spring: quarterback Tom Brady, who skipped the voluntary phase of offseason workouts, returned to join his teammates on the practice fields.

Brady’s return was the biggest, but far from the only story to come out of Foxboro today. Let’s recap the action from day one:

Attendance

8 players were not spotted during the session: RB Sony Michel, RB Nick Brossette, WR Demaryius Thomas, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, OT Yodny Cajuste, DE Deatrich Wise Jr, SS Patrick Chung, SS Nate Ebner (source)

6 players returned to practice after missing the last open session on May 23: QB Tom Brady, OT Isaiah Wynn, DE Michael Bennett, LB Kyle Van Noy, P Ryan Allen, LS Joe Cardona (source)

1 player was present but limited: OT Isaiah Wynn (source)

Injuries

Fortunately, no players appeared to have suffered injuries today.

Offense

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

Tom Brady: 12 of 15

Brian Hoyer: 5 of 9, INT

Jarrett Stidham: 5 of 9

Danny Etling: 8 of 9

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

Tom Brady: 5 of 8

Brian Hoyer: 3 of 4

Jarrett Stidham: 4 of 4

The quarterbacks performed as follows during 4-on-4 drills (source):

Tom Brady: 4 of 4

Brian Hoyer: 3 of 4

Jarrett Stidham: 2 of 3

Danny Elting is the clear-cut number four on the quarterback depth chart at this point in time.

Wide receiver Braxton Berrios made the ‘play of the day’ when he made a diving catch down the right sideline on a pass from Brian Hoyer with Joejuan Williams in coverage. The second-year pass catcher had a good session. (source)

Speaking of ‘good sessions,’ Maurice Harris and Stephen Anderson also were among the standouts. (source)

After standing out during the lone open OTA session, N’Keal Harry was more inconsistent today. (source)

With Isaiah Wynn still limited, Joe Thuney again started at left tackle. Ted Karras, meanwhile, lined up at left guard. (source)

Tom Brady had a side-session at one point with just N’Keal Harry, Benjamin Watson and James White. (source)

With Sony Michel out, Damien Harris saw considerable reps. (source)

Defense

The following players registered pass deflections: J.C. Jackson, Kyle Van Noy, Duke Dawson Jr, Keion Crossen. (source)

Ja’Whaun Bentley registered the lone interception during 11-on-11 drills, off a pass tipped by Kyle Van Noy. (source)

All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore saw some time against first-round rookie N’Keal Harry today, winning the battle. (source)

Chase Winovich’s effort stands out. (source)

Special teams

The following players practiced punt returns: WR Braxton Berrios, WR Phillip Dorsett, WR Maurice Harris, WR Gunner Olszewski, WR Julian Edelman (source)

While Jake Bailey has a better hang-time than Ryan Allen, he also fumbled a snap and had a touchback. (source)

Fourth-string quarterback Danny Etling saw time as a personal punt protector at one point. (source)

Miscellaneous

Undrafted rookie Gunner Olszewski was the first player spotted on the field today. (source)

Ex-Patriots Troy Brown and Deion Branch were present to assist the coaching staff. (source)