New England Patriots Training Camp: Observations from Day 7

Catch up on all the action from New England Patriots training camp.

The New England Patriots laced up their cleats and strapped on their pads for the seventh day of training camp Thursday. Starters enjoyed a lighter workload while second and third-team players showcased their skills.

Here’s what we learned from Day 7 of Patriots training camp:

In addition to marking one week since New England started training camp, Thursday was also quarterback Tom Brady’s 40th birthday. The Patriots honored their five-time Super Bowl champion quarterback with the “Greatest Petting Zoo of All-Time” featuring five goats. ESPN’s Mike Reiss shared these photos from Brady’s birthday festivities:

The team also built a “G.O.A.T” sign for fans to take photos with:

The Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels reported that offensive tackle Nate Solder and wide receivers Cody Hollister and Matthew Slater were missing from Thursday’s practice session. Slater did not return after suffering an injury on Wednesday, while Hollister hasn’t practiced since Day 2.

Daniels also noted that running back Mike Gillislee, tight end James O’Shaughnessy, safety Duron Harmon, defensive back David Jones, and wide receivers Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell were “here but not practicing”.

NESN’s Doug Kyed provided an attendance report for the Patriots wide receiver group. New England should consider adding another wideout to the rotation before entering joint practices and the preseason.

Kyed later reported that the Patriots’ “starting offense, including Tom Brady”, moved to “the lower practice field where [reporters] can’t observe them.”

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Following an abundance of injuries on Day 6, the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe reported that “Belichick sent the starters to the lower field for light positional drills.” Howe described Thursday’s session as a “virtual day off” for “veteran starters” and a “light practice overall.”

Business was as usual for the rest of the team. According to Mark Daniels, cornerback Eric Rowe — a camp standout thus far — hauled in an interception from Jacoby Brissett while safety Nate Ebner got the best of Jimmy Garoppolo with a pick in the endzone.

Daniels also noted that running back D.J. Foster “made a nice [one-handed] catch” and rookies Deatrich Wise and Harvey Langi earned reps with the starting defense “for the third day in a row”.

NESN’s Zack Cox reported that cornerback Jonathan Jones was shaken up “after Austin Carr beat him down the sideline.” Cox later added that “Jones looked fine the rest of practice”.

Related Story: Patriots Training Camp: Observations from Day 6

Quarterback results from Day 7 are below courtesy of Doug Kyed:

"“Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was 22-of-37 with an interception overall and 6-of-14 with a pick in 11-on-11s. Jacoby Brissett was 19-of-28 with an interception overall and 8-of-12 with a pick in 11-on-11s.”"

Zack Cox pointed out that Brissett threw “two really nice deep-ball completions in [one-on-ones].”

According to the Patriots website, the team will return on Monday for joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Check back next week for more observations!