Patriots
Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams returns, offensive tackle depth looks spotty, and the Patriots continue to tweak the roster.
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Report: Patriots cornerback Marcellas Dial has a torn ACL
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After tumultuous offseason, Kayshon Boutte is seemingly poised for a breakout season with Patriots
FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots conducted a walkthrough practice on Tuesday, slowing down the pace temporarily before things pick back up on Wednesday with the Commanders coming to participate in a joint practice at Gillette Stadium.
As the regular season draws nearer, the Patriots finally have a test against an opponent coming up this week.
They’ll open the preseason against Washington Friday night after the ceremony for the unveiling of Tom Brady’s new statue.
The atmosphere at Tuesday’s practice was relaxed, with players opting for bucket hats and baseball caps instead of helmets.
But, there were still a few things to take note of. Here are five takeaways from the action.
Depth is a major concern at both offensive tackle spots
The Patriots are pinning a lot of their hopes on rookie Will Campbell.
They hope he’ll be the franchise’s starting left-tackle for years to come. It’s too early to tell whether he will or not, but, they’re counting on a rookie to man one of the most important positions on the field and protect Drake Maye.
On the other side, at right tackle, they’re depending on 34-year-old Morgan Moses. Moses has been durable throughout his career, starting 158 games over 11 seasons, including 14 starts last year with the Jets. But, he has had to leave a couple of the Patriots’ training camp practices early this summer, including Tuesday’s walkthrough.
As for the depth behind Campbell and Moses, well … you’ve seen it before. Vederian Lowe and Demontrey Jacobs each started 13 games for New England last year, and the offensive line was one of the worst units in the NFL. Tackle was a particularly weak spot within that group.
The Patriots are an injury away from having to revert back to where they were last year at either spot.
They drafted Marcus Bryant, a seventh rounder who has been mixing in with Jacobs at both backup tackle spots as Lowe works his way back after beginning the camp on the PUP list.
Speed at the skill spots showing
Between rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams, the Patriots have added speed at the skill positions.
With DeMario Douglas in the mix and Stefon Diggs continuing to get stronger after offseason ACL surgery, the Patriots have a number of playmakers who can move.
Linebacker Christian Elliss said he’s noticing the difference between this year’s skill players and last year.
“I think our guys have done a really good job with even just the route running. I always say when I’m in coverage that I know I’m going to win when I’m confident and composed. When they start getting on your toes is when you start backing up and getting unsure.
“That becomes when we lose reps, and I think they’ve done a really good job of doing that this year. It’s a credit to their speed.”
Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams returns
Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who was treated for dehydration after spending several moments on the ground during Monday’s practice, returned on Tuesday.
The 51-year-old coach worked remotely during the spring after experiencing an undisclosed health scare. Monday’s incident is reportedly unrelated to the health issues he faced in the spring.
As the Patriots continue to install a new defense, Williams’s availability is something to keep an eye on.
Players excited to face old friends Deatrich Wise and Jonathan Jones
Longtime former Patriots Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jonathan Jones signed with the Commanders during the offseason.
A number of former teammates said they’re looking forward to meeting Wise and Jones on the field.
“I’m not going to see [Wise] too much because I’m out on the perimeter. [Jones] was with us last year, great cornerback, smart, versatile, so it will be a good matchup,” receiver Kayshon Boutte said.
Jones spent nine seasons with the Patriots. Wise spent eight seasons with the Patriots. This is the first time they’ve played elsewhere in the NFL.
“I’m happy to see those guys, they’re my dogs,” safety Jabrill Peppers said. “They put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in, time on task together. I’m happy they’re doing well but when they come back I hope we get the best of them.”
A flurry of transactions
After practice, the Patriots announced several transactions. Cornerback Marcellas Dial and defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy were placed on injured reserve. New England signed running back JaMychal Hasty and rookie defensive tackle Bryce Ganious. They also claimed cornerback Tre Avery off of waivers from the 49ers.
Hasty will be a familiar face in Foxborough. He spent part of the 2023 season and all of the 2024 season with the Patriots, mostly on the practice squad. He had 20 carries for 69 yards for New England last season.
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