Pats Pulpit
Recapping everything that happened on Day 5 of Patriots training camp.
The New England Patriots were back to work on Monday after their first day off of the summer. Their fifth training camp practice of the year also marked their first time in full pads which shifted the focus to the ground game.
Here is what went down on the fields behind Gillette Stadium.
Attire: Full pads
Duration: ca. 90 minutes (10:30-12:00 p.m. ET)
Conditions: Sunny, temperatures in the 80s
The Patriots’ first padded practice of the summer took place on a hot Foxborough day. It stretched just about 90 minutes with much of the padded work coming in the red area.
Absent: LB Jahlani Tavai, CB Carlton Davis, WR Mack Hollins (PUP), OT Vederian Lowe (PUP), TE Austin Hooper (PUP),
Limited: DL Christian Barmore
Returnees: WR Ja’Lynn Polk, S Josh Minkins (NFI)
Injured: CB Christian Gonzalez, WR Demeer Blankumsee
On the second rep in competitive team periods, cornerback Christian Gonzalez came up visibly hobbled after covering Stefon Diggs across the field. Gonzalez, who appeared to grab his left leg/hamstring, limped back to the medical shed with trainers and did not return.
After leaving Saturday’s practice early, linebacker Jahlani Tavai was absent on Monday, while cornerback Carlton Davis remained sidelined. New England did see the return of UDFA safety Josh Minkins from the non-football injury list, while wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk made his first appearance this camp after dealing with muscle tightness.
Christian Barmore was limited for the second time this summer as part of the team’s plan for him to return from blood clots. He worked on 1-on-1 drills off on the side field for much of the practice.
Campbell competitive: Fourth overall draft pick Will Campbell was quickly welcomed to life in pads, as his first 1-on-1 rep against Keion White ended with the tackle pushed down to one knee. But, the rookie bounced back in team periods with several impactful blocks in the run game — including caving in Milton Williams.
While Campbell did end the day on the ground, his work as a run blocker was impressive for his first padded practice in the pros. He also held up in pass protection in team work for the minimal passing attempts called on Monday.
Trench work: Next to Campbell, New England’s top offensive line from left to right remained Cole Strange, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, and Morgan Moses. They were quick to rotate, however, with Jared Wilson coming in at left guard after two plays and then moving to center two plays later. Caedan Wallace then saw time at left guard with the top unit. Wilson did muff another exchange with quarterback Drake Maye under center but also had several nice pulls in the run game.
While it was a competitive back-and-forth battle for both sides in the ground game, the pass protection remained spotty in the few pass plays throughout practice. K’Lavon Chaisson in particular continued to give any right...
