FOXBORO - The New England Patriots took a noticeably lighter approach for their 10th training camp practice of the summer on Tuesday, working in hats and t-shirts for a walkthrough that matched the quieter mood around the field. With no fans in attendance, the pace stayed deliberate as the Patriots moved through reps and focused on the details.
The biggest new development on the offensive side was the absence of wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who missed practice for the first time this year. At the same time, the Patriots got tight end C.J. Dippre back from the physically unable to perform list, and fullback Reggie Gilliam returned after sitting out one practice as part of a load management plan with the coaching staff.
Six other players were also out, though none of them were new names on the report: wide receiver Cameron Dorner, tight end Jack Westover, guard Caedan Wallace, edge rusher Harold Landry (PUP), cornerback Carlton Davis and safety Brenden Schooler (NFI).
Even without competitive passing drills, the Patriots still split into smaller groups so the quarterbacks could run the offense at a slower tempo. Doubs’ absence opened the door for DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism III to handle bigger roles with the starters.
Kyle Williams did not work with the first offense during an early 11-on-11 period, but he later joined that group.
Will Campbell drew attention when he came onto the field in uniform with a bulky brace on his left arm, similar to the one Patriots Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski wore during his career. Despite that, Campbell did not appear limited.
He stayed at left tackle with the starting offense, just as he has throughout camp. Caleb Lomu, who had been mentioned as a possible replacement on the left side, took some reps with the first unit at right tackle.
The defense also saw some movement in the depth chart look. Eric Gregory, Khalil Jacobs, Channing Canada and Dell Pettus all appeared to get more work than they had in previous practices.
Meanwhile, Leonard Taylor III, Kindle Vildor and Mike Brown saw reduced roles after beginning camp with the top defense. They spent this practice working against the second-string offense.
Chad Muma continued to solidify his spot as the third linebacker, and during one drill he and Jacobs were the two inside linebackers making the calls at the line of scrimmage.
The session wrapped with end-of-half and game Hail Mary work. Seven defensive backs were on the field for those reps, and one throw - Drake Maye to Hunter Henry - appeared to leave Henry wide open to the side of Christian Elliss, who later got a coaching reminder about covering the side of the end zone after the play.
Mack Hollins also talked about what he likes about camp as a veteran, saying, "I think the days are shorter. I don't know if I appreciate it or not.
I like training camp. I like being around the guys.
I like wall-to-wall ball. Not seeing your family, I know it sounds bad, but I enjoy that stuff for like a month, where you just you're in a hotel room with the boys, and all you know is football.
So I enjoy that that stuff."
The Patriots will return to a closed practice tomorrow, and pads will be back on. The 11th practice of the summer is set for 10:15 a.m., with six players scheduled to speak to reporters after it concludes at 12:15 p.m.
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