Patriots Training Camp Primer: Dates, Location, How to Watch, Position Battles & More
It's that point in the NFL offseason when nothing is happening and we're all longing for even the smallest bit of football news, rumors or just general conversation to hold us over until training camp begins.
Fortunately, the Patriots just announced their training camp dates to give us a light at the end of the tunnel of a long summer without football. We now know when fans can attend and watch the team under new head coach Jerod Mayo and get our first glimpse at what they might look like during the 2024 season.
Dates:
The Patriots revealed their training camp dates on Tuesday morning, sharing 13 practices open to the public to attend starting on July 24th.
All practices fans are able to watch in person will start at 11 a.m., with gates opening an hour before. Be sure to get there early if you'd like a good view! All dates are free for the public.
Location:
Besides joint practices on the road, training camp will be held on the grass fields behind Gillette Stadium. Dates and times are subject to change, so keep up with all the latest changes at www.patriots.com/trainingcamp.
The Patriots website also suggests checking the app or calling the training camp hotline for updates, as listed below.
Fans who plan to attend practices are encouraged to check the Patriots website or app for daily updates. Fans can also call the training camp hotline for updates at (508) 549-0001.
How to watch:
At this point, the only way to watch training camp is in person or if the team posts a live feed to its website and social media channels. Check Patriots.com for those updates and follow them on Twitter/X for more details.
Position battles to watch for:
With the new regime's plan to put together a young, energetic, and competitive team, there will surely be plenty of position battles to watch for this summer, some more exciting than others.
Quarterbacks
The one most fans will be paying close attention to is Jacoby Brissett vs. Drake Maye, who will be competing to be named the team's starter for Week 1.
Although Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt have said the veteran will be starting, Maye has all the tools to outshine his quarterback counterpart and steal the role to end the summer.
Wide receivers
Another battle to watch for is among the wide receivers, as the team currently rosters 12 pass catchers heading into training camp.
Kendrick Bourne's Week 1 status is not yet known, as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL suffered last season. That could affect who makes the team if he's unavailable at the start of the season, opening the door for guys like K.J. Osborn or Jalen Reagor.
There are also question marks surrounding many others on the team, mainly Kayshon Boutte, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton, all of whom will need standout performances this summer to secure a spot on the 2024 team.
Kickers
Coming into this offseason, Chad Ryland's status with the team was one of the murkiest of all after a rough rookie year. Most believed he would be cut heading into the spring, but Mayo recognized the young specialist's struggles and believed he deserved another chance.
That won't come without competition, though.
Veteran Joey Slye was signed to the team and has been immediately competitive at OTAs and minicamp for reps. He's impressed so far and has been more consistent in practice, putting Ryland on even more thin ice for training camp.
Questions that will need to be answered at training camp
- Have enough moves been made to assemble a formidable offense no matter who is in at quarterback?
- Is there anything Drake Maye can do to solidify his role as the QB1?
- Who will be the WR1 on the roster?
- When will we know the starting lineup of the offensive line?
- Will contract negotiations with Davon Godchaux and Matthew Judon be settled before camp begins?