Pats Pulpit
With their cutdowns to 53 players in the rear-view mirror, the New England Patriots took to the fields behind Gillette Stadium for their first practice after the NFL roster reduction. Almost the entire team was present.
In fact, only one player who would otherwise be expected to be in attendance was missing from action: Christian Gonzalez remains out after suffering a hamstring injury less than a week into training camp. The Patriots’ star cornerback was present for the session, but watching from the side in street clothes.
Meanwhile, three players previously in the DNP category were back. Wide receiver Efton Chism and linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Jack Gibbens made their return to practice on Wednesday after recently missing time due to undisclosed ailments.
Also not participating in practice were the four players involved in Wednesday’s roster moves. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was granted his release after failed attempts to trade him; fellow wideout Javon Baker was waived; quarterback Tommy DeVito and cornerback Charles Woods were claimed off waivers to complete the 53-man roster again.
In addition, a significant contingent of New England’s practice squad was taking part in practice again. The Patriots announced the signing of 16 players after the session, with most of them spotted during the brief media window at the start of the session.
“Today will be an important day for us,” said head coach Mike Vrabel ahead of practice. “I’m just getting started here with the Raiders, the show team process and all that, and trying to get the looks that we need to try to begin the game-planning, practice and some of that stuff.”
The Patriots will host the Las Vegas Raiders for their regular season opener on Sunday, Sept. 7. Kickoff at Gillette Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
