New England Patriots: Multiple players absent or limited at OTA’s
The New England Patriots have multiple players that are not present at OTA’s and even more that are limited participants.
The New England Patriots began organized team activities this week. While the team normally has an excellent attendance rate, as OTA’s are voluntary, this year is a little different.
Superstars, quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski, are both not present for the beginning of OTA’s. Both players have stayed away from team activities this offseason as they both missed phase one and phase two of the Patriots offseason program.
There are a few reasons that Brady and Gronkowski are not present. Brady missed the first practices because he was away on business in Qatar. Both are reportedly looking for new or restructured contracts and that is playing a part in their absence.
While those are the two highest-profile players on the roster, they are not the only players sitting out OTA’s. In addition to Brady and Gronkowski, the Patriots have eight other players that are absent.
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Wide receivers Malcolm Mitchell and Cody Hollister, linebacker Dont’a Hightower, defensive end Trey Flowers, cornerback Jonathan Jones, offensive guard Joe Thuney, running back Brandon Bolden and safety David Jones are all absent as well.
It should be noted, however, that Mitchell, Hightower and Jonathan Jones are all recovering from injuries that required season-ending surgeries. Mitchell was also seen at the first practice, so New England could just be taking it easy with him after he missed all of last season.
In addition to the 10 players that were absent, there were another eight players that didn’t partake in practice with the full team. They were on a separate field working away from the team.
That group consisted of offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, Trent Brown and Marcus Cannon, defensive tackles Malcolm Brown and Lawrence Guy, cornerback Cyrus Jones, safety Nate Ebner and wide receiver Darren Andrews.
Missing from either of those lists is wide receiver, Julian Edelman. Edelman missed all of last season with a torn ACL but looks to be coming along well.
Zack Cox of NESN reported that Edelman was participating in the early round of practice and fielded some punts before moving down to the lower field. Anytime Edelman is on the field working it is a good sign for the Patriots and their fans.
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The Patriots workouts will now be closed to the media until next Thursday. By that time, we could see some of the players who were absent attending practice.