New England Patriots Training Camp: Observations from Day 6

We recap all the action from the New England Patriots sixth day of training camp.

With five training camp sessions under their belt, it’s safe to say, the New England Patriots are officially back to football. The team hit the field Wednesday morning for their sixth training camp practice of 2017.

Here’s what we learned from Day 6 of Patriots training camp:

After missing Days 4 & 5 with a knee injury, NESN’s Doug Kyed reported that safety Duron Harmon returned to practice on Wednesday. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Cody Hollister remains an absentee, joined by fellow undrafted rookie, defensive tackle Josh Augusta.

The Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels later added that Harmon “didn’t participate” despite returning to practice. Daniels also reported that running back Mike Gillislee did not participate and wide receiver Danny Amendola was “limited“.

NESN’s Zack Cox confirmed that Gillislee, Harmon, and Amendola “worked on a separate field”. Along with tight end James O’Shaughnessy, defensive back David Jones, and wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss noted that former Patriot Rob Ninkovich was present for Day 6 of training camp. The newly-retired defensive end “[lent] a helping hand to the coaching staff”. Zack Cox shared these photos of Ninkovich “working on technique” with third-round pick, defensive end Deatrich Wise.

Mark Daniels reported that cornerback Jonathan Jones collected a pass deflection and an interception, both passes were from quarterback Tom Brady. Jones has put on a good showing in camp thus far, he remains the favorite to win New England’s fourth cornerback spot.

New England Patriots

Undrafted rookie cornerback Kenny Moore also recorded a pass break up, per Mark Daniels. Moore is another defensive back who’s continued to see his stock rise with strong performances in camp.

Mike Reiss pointed out two “injury [situations] to monitor“. Wide receivers Matthew Slater and Chris Hogan were both injured during practice. Slater “walked to [the] medical tent looking stiff”, while Hogan “[got his] knee looked at by [an] athletic trainer.”

WEEI’s Ryan Hannable reported that wide receiver Julian Edelman and center David Andrews were both “banged up” during practice. Hannable noted that neither player missed time. The Patriots — who were thin at wide receiver entering Day 6 — will need to address the position before beginning joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars next week.

Doug Kyed reported that rookie defensive end Deatrich Wise and linebacker Harvey Langi continue to earn reps with the starting defense. After practice, Ryan Hannable quoted Langi telling reporters he “believes he can handle anything [the] Patriots throw at him”, while Wise put in extra work with fellow rookie edge rusher, Derek Rivers, per Zack Cox.

Zack Cox also pointed out that cornerback Cyrus Jones “[has] been much more consistent in the return game since camp started.” If Jones can overcome his struggles with dropped punts, he’ll have a much better chance at cracking the Patriots’ 53-man roster.

According to Cox, starting cornerback Malcolm Butler “[blanketed Brandin Cooks] so well on one [play] that Brissett didn’t even bother to throw”. Based on their performances in camp thus far, Butler, Stephon Gilmore, and Eric Rowe have made a strong case for best secondary in the league.

Related Story: 4 Standouts from training camp so far

Quarterback results from Day 6 are below, courtesy of Doug Kyed:

The Patriots are back tomorrow for their seventh day of training camp. Thursday is also Tom Brady’s 40th birthday! Check back for more observations tomorrow.