The 2026 NFL training camps have kicked off around the league, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The New England Patriots' camp is taking place in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Patriots reporter Mike Reiss has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and, of course, the quarterback room.
What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Patriots camp. We will update this file often. Will Drake Maye start another MVP-like campaign in Year 3? Who are the breakout players to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?
Dive into all the updates and be sure to check back for more information until the first full week of the preseason begins Aug. 13.
Camp updates for all 32 NFL teams
Latest news from Patriots camp
Tuesday, Aug. 11
Quarterback Drake Maye isn't expected to play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Colts, coach Mike Vrabel said Tuesday.
"That's where my mindset is right now, standing here today," Vrabel said before Tuesday's joint practice with the Colts in Foxborough. "That can always change, but I wouldn't anticipate that happening right now."
Vrabel noted that Tuesday's practice essentially takes the place of the game for Maye & Co.
"That's really the only reason that we do these joint practices. It will be a lot of the front-line players and whoever's available [in the practice]. Some of the guys that maybe will not get as much work will get extensive work in the game on Thursday," he said.
The plan for practice was to have the offense take 24 full-team reps, which Vrabel pointed out was more than Maye & Co. would likely see in a preseason game.
Maye's final rep in practice wasn't to his liking, as he threw an end zone interception to Colts safety Cam Bynum on a second-down play in the two-minute drill. Otherwise, he was pleased with the Patriots' effort, energy and execution.
"We challenged our guys to be consistent throughout the day, and I think they responded to that," Maye said.
More observations:
Starting CB Christian Gonzalez missed his first practice of training camp. It might have been related to his final play of Monday's practice, when he landed hard in the end zone while defending WR Romeo Doubs. Gonzalez has also been in negotiations with the team on a contract extension.
With Gonzalez and fellow starting CB Carlton Davis III not practicing, and top backup Charles Woods also out, any evaluation of the pass defense came with a caveat. The Colts were without two top WRs, however.
The Colts' first units on offense/defense won the end-of-practice two-minute drill, while the Patriots' second units were victorious -- QB Tommy DeVito connecting with WR Mack Hollins on a long TD and S John Saunders Jr. notching an INT.
DeVito had another deep ball earlier in practice as speedy WR Kyle Williams got behind the defense and tracked the ball well.
With the Patriots' first-unit offense on one field and the first-unit defense on the other, Vrabel stayed with the offense. That left assistant head coach Terrell Williams and coordinator Zak Kuhr to lead the defensive field.
WR A.J. Brown had an active practice, with Maye looking in his direction often. He was charted with five receptions.
Starting LB Christian Elliss limped off early in practice.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson as a reliable pass catcher in the red zone has been a theme in recent days. He had another TD catch from Maye that had the crowd buzzing.
Colts DT Grover Stewart powered into LG Alijah Vera-Tucker on one play and got his hands up to bat down a pass.
OLB Elijah Ponder had the Patriots' most decisive PBU, getting his hands up at the line to swat away a pass from QB Daniel Jones.
Owners Robert Kraft (Patriots) and Carly Irsay-Gordon (Colts) watched practice together at one point.
Former Patriots safety Devin McCourty was in attendance to sign autographs.
Monday, Aug. 10
First-round draft pick Caleb Lomu has been a full participant in all 13 training camp practices, and he shared insight Monday on the top thing he has learned.
"The biggest thing is really focusing on not so many things. On defense, these guys are coming off the ball, they know their assignment, and everyone on the field has to know what they're doing. If you're thinking about multiple things, and if you hesitate at all for a quick second, the guy on the other side of the line is going to beat you.
"Coming out here, at first I was thinking a lot and that caused me to play a little slower. I realized you can't think too much. You have to trust in what you learned in the classroom and go out and play ball."
The 28th pick, Lomu had mostly been working at right tackle until the team's 12th practice last Friday, which was an intrasquad scrimmage. He flipped more to the left side that day, and that continued Monday in a practice held in shorts and light shoulder pads, as he was the backup left tackle behind Will Campbell.
Lomu played left tackle at Utah, so he noted changing sides has been an adjustment with the different footwork and hand placement, among other things. But he said he feels comfortable on both sides.
He shared that his primary focus at practice Monday was playing with "tight hands" and not giving up his chest to pass rushers. He appeared to have one of his better days in drills.
More observations:
WR Romeo Doubs caught a leaping TD from QB Drake Maye to cap off a "game-ending" drive despite being blanketed by CB Christian Gonzalez. Doubs crashed to the ground, and fellow WRs Efton Chism III and Kayshon Boutte gave him a mock-CPR celebration by pumping his chest.
Chism showed strong hands at the catch point, leaping over CB Marcellas Dial Jr. to catch a TD pass from QB Tommy DeVito to produce another offensive highlight.
CB Kindle Vildor had one of the top defensive plays of the day, running stride for stride with Doubs along the right sideline and turning at the last moment to bat away a pass from Maye.
WR Kyle Williams hauled in a long bomb from DeVito along the left sideline (CB Channing Canada was closest in coverage), which was a result of high-level tracking of the football. But Williams later dropped a short pass on a crossing route.
TE Hunter Henry, fresh off signing a two-year contract extension, caught a laser from DeVito for a TD at the goal line in red zone work.
With starting DT Christian Barmore missing his second straight practice (injury unknown), 2025 fourth-round pick Joshua Farmer aligned with the top defense alongside fellow DTs Milton Williams and Cory Durden.
Starting CB Carlton Davis III, who had been sidelined since July 28 with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, returned to practice for the first time on a limited basis.
Rookie OLB Gabe Jacas (second round, Illinois) had a speed rush in one-on-one drills that helped produce what looked like a decisive win over backup RT Marcus Bryant.
Likewise, rookie OLB Quintayvious Hutchins (seventh round, Boston College) had a decisive win with an inside move on rookie OT Dametrious Crownover (sixth round, Texas A&M) in one-on-one drills.
Long-snapper Julian Ashby didn't practice due to an ankle injury that isn't expected to keep him out long. The team signed snapper Niko Lalos and moved on from OL Caedan Wallace to make room for him.
Saturday, Aug. 8
A middle linebacker running a time of 4.77 seconds in the 40-yard dash isn't ideal, so when the Patriots hosted Missouri's Khalil Jacobs on a predraft visit in April, coach Mike Vrabel got right to the point.
"I was trying to just give him a hard time about his 40, and he was like, 'Oh, that was [a] timing [error].'" Vrabel said.
"I'm like, '32 teams timed your 40 wrong?' But to his credit, he plays a lot faster than the 40. He has a play speed about him."
Jacobs went undrafted -- probably primarily as a result of the slower 40-yard dash -- but he said he chose to sign with the Patriots because they were the only team to bring him in for a visit.
That decision looks to be a smart one, as the 6-foot-1, 227-pound Jacobs -- adopting a philosophy of "see ball, get ball" -- has been one of the surprise stories of training camp. He's getting reps on top special teams units, and in recent days seems to have overtaken veteran K.J. Britt for a backup role on defense behind starters Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss and No. 3 option Chad Muma.
Vrabel said Jacobs "loves football," which shows up with how much time he spends at the team's facility.
"I see him all the time," the coach said.
For Jacobs, it ties to proving the Patriots correct for believing in him despite the 40 time.
"I want whoever wants me," Jacobs said. "These guys showed me love."
Other observations:
The Patriots have the weekend off before returning to practice Monday (closed to the public) and then welcoming the Colts to town for a practice Tuesday.
WR A.J. Brown summed up this plans for the weekend off succinctly. "Rest," he said. Asked what he's enjoyed about New England as a region, he said he hasn't done much exploring. "I'm a homebody," he said.
Friday, Aug. 7
A.J. Brown shared part of what has made his first training camp with the New England Patriots unique from his prior seven NFL seasons.
"This is my first time going against a defense on a day-to-day basis where the mentality has [picked] up. I believe we need to go against somebody else because we're right at the edge. And that's good for a team, that's really good for a team, but that mentality on both sides of going back and forth, we're toeing that line," he said Friday.
"That's why I think we're going to be excited for the Colts coming up."
The Patriots held their 12th practice Friday in humid, 90-degree temperatures, and it featured an intrasquad scrimmage heading into an off weekend. Brown was on the same team as cornerback Christian Gonzalez, which turned down the heat on easily the team's most intense 1-on-1 matchup in camp.
On Thursday, the two almost needed to be separated after a drill in which Gonzalez had lockdown coverage on Brown, and Gonzalez seemed to be trash-talking in his direction.
"Every day is a battle with him. It's nothing but respect," Brown said. "Ultimately it's not about me and him. We're competing, all of us are challenging each other, for the greater good of the team."
For his part, Brown said he's focusing on "crafting" in practice, and if he's doing any talking on the field, it's only to himself. He believes his matchups with Gonzalez have "absolutely" set a tone for the team, which now looks ahead to welcoming the Colts for a practice next Tuesday leading into Thursday's preseason opener.
"The defense has not been giving us any leeway, and we're not trying to give them any leeway as well," he said. "We're both pushing ourselves."
More observations:
Fourth-year WR Pop Douglas had two TD catches in the scrimmage and also hauled in a deep pass from backup QB Tommy DeVito. He looked like the offense's most productive player.
DeVito was celebrating his 28th birthday, and as he was signing autographs after a practice in which he looked in command, fans sang to him at the urging of his agent, Sean Stellato.
QB Drake Maye had touchdown throws to WR Romeo Doubs (returning after missing two days) and RB TreVeyon Henderson. Maye led a successful two-minute drill to set up a field goal to end practice, which was notable after struggles the day prior in the same situation (2 INTs).
One play that got a rise out of the crowd came when rookie QB Behren Morton fired a pass along the left sideline to WR Tejhaun Palmer, and the ball somehow ended up in the hands of RB Myles Montgomery, who had been sprinting up that sideline. The play went for a gain of 40-plus yards.
Coach Mike Vrabel served as referee for the scrimmage. He assigned assistants Terrell Williams and Tony Dews as head coaches, Todd Downing and Ashton Grant as offensive coordinators, and Scott Booker and Justin Hamilton as defensive coordinators.
Coaches held a draft to split the team up, with Vrabel saying he had just two stipulations -- Maye had to be paired with C Jared Wilson, and WRs Mack Hollins and Efton Chism III couldn't be split up (a playful acknowledgement to how close they've become).
Starting LT Will Campbell, who wore a brace on his left arm/elbow Thursday, did not participate in the scrimmage, but Vrabel said he expects him back after the weekend. First-round pick Caleb Lomu got some work at LT after spending the majority of camp at RT.
Vrabel said it would likely be another week before starting CB Carlton Davis III returns. Davis appeared to injure his hamstring July 28.
Thursday, Aug. 6
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez and receiver A.J. Brown needed to be separated at one point of Thursday's practice, as the competitive one-on-one matchup between them that has been a highlight of Patriots training camp nearly boiled over.
The fireworks seemed to be sparked by Gonzalez's trash talk following a red zone drill in which his tight coverage held Brown without a catch. As the Patriots transitioned to a different period of practice, Gonzalez appeared to be chirping in Brown's direction. At first, Brown was walking away, but something appeared to spark him to turn back in Gonzalez's direction.
Receiver Kayshon Boutte also came over to that area of the sideline and said he was trying to pull Brown away from Gonzalez. Boutte said he heard someone say, "You're a grown man!"
The battle between Gonzalez and Brown seemed to build throughout the full-pads practice, with Gonzalez gesturing in Brown's direction after covering him tightly in 11-on-11 drills as a long pass from quarterback Drake Maye in that direction was incomplete.
In the final drill, Brown caught a comeback route on Gonzalez.
"It's good on good. He's a No. 1 receiver in this league going up against a No. 1 corner. That's how it's going to go," Gonzalez said after practice. "It's football at the end of the day. There's never no disrespect or anything. We're just battling to make each other better.
"He's going to face corners like that, that are going to yap at him and try to get in his head. And I'm going to face receivers like that, that are strong and are going to come right back at me. It's great work for the both of us."
CB Christian Gonzalez turns the corner and talks about his 1-on-1 matchup with WR A.J. Brown, which escalated Thursday as the two almost needed to be separated at one point. pic.twitter.com/0ef28o6Ay0
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 6, 2026
More observations:
The practice ended with three straight interceptions as the offense was in a game-ending situation running the two-minute offense. CB Marcus Jones and S Kevin Byard picked off Maye, while S John Saunders Jr. picked off backup QB Tommy DeVito. Coach Mike Vrabel called the team together at that point and ended practice.
Starting LT Will Campbell didn't participate in team drills, which thrust 2025 seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant into the top unit over 2026 first-round pick Caleb Lomu. That is due, in part, to Lomu mostly having worked at right tackle.
Rookie OLB Gabe Jacas (second round, Illinois) received his first reps with the top defense.
With no wind, high humidity and temperatures in the 90s, this was the hottest day of the Patriots' 11 training camp practices.
CB Carlton Davis III, WR Cameron Dorner, WR Romeo Doubs and FB Jack Westover did not practice, while starting DT Christian Barmore, top reserve CB Charles Woods and rookie OLB Quintayvious Hutchins left early.
Rookie QB Behren Morton (seventh round, Texas Tech) had a surprise waiting for him upon his arrival at practice, as his parents James and Suni made the trip to town from Texas.
Third-unit G Caedan Wallace returned to practice.
The Patriots had free agent guard Greg Van Roten in for a workout. Guard depth is thin/unproven with Andrew Rupcich (left) and James Hudson III (right) the top backups in practice, while backup C Ben Brown would likely get the first call in the event of injury.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
If the Patriots are indeed considering the possibility of trading wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, their walk-through practice Wednesday was a reminder about why they should reconsider. An unexpected absence can change the receiver outlook quickly.
Big-bucks free agent signing Romeo Doubs was not present Wednesday, opening the door further for Boutte -- who has had a strong training camp -- to carve out a larger niche as a "comforting" option for quarterback Drake Maye.
Doubs' absence likely isn't anything serious. He appeared slightly hobbled in recent days, so it simply might be a much-needed rest day. But as Maye recently pointed out, the Patriots are going to need all their receivers, and no one has made more plays down the field than Boutte through 10 practices.
Maye described him as a "comforting receiver to throw to" and noted his quiet demeanor and how he's "going to be in the right spot and make a play on the football."
Maye was asked about how Boutte after Wednesday's walk-through, saluting his professionalism despite being mentioned in media-based trade rumors on a regular basis.
"I think the way Kayshon has approached it -- he's here now, he's where his feet are at. I'm having fun throwing to him out there in practice. He's doing a great job. He makes plays when the football is in the air, and I think that speaks for itself. I've had a lot of great times with Kayshon and I'm looking forward to keep getting better each and every day."
More observations:
TE CJ Dippre, who opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list, was in uniform for the first time. He could face an uphill climb for the TE3 role behind Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon, as undrafted free agent Tanner Arkin has been one of the surprise stories of training camp.
With RB Terrell Jennings returning to practice Monday, he has quickly established himself as the leading candidate for the RB3 role behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, in part due to his special teams presence. At running back, Jennings is competing against 2025 undrafted free agent Lan Larison, 2026 seventh-round pick Jam Miller and 2026 undrafted free agent Myles Montgomery.
There continues to be notable movement at linebacker, where Chad Muma has consistently been the top backup in training camp, and rookies Khalil Jacobs (more of a middle linebacker) and Namdi Obiazor (weakside linebacker) are pushing veteran free agent signing K.J. Britt for reps on defense and special teams.
The slower-paced walk-through provided further context on health/injury-based situations, as CB Carlton Davis III remained out of practice since appearing to injure his hamstring July 28. In addition to Davis and Doubs, the other players not present were WR Cameron Dorner, G Caedan Wallace and FB/TE Jack Westover. Meanwhile, ST captain Brenden Schooler remains on the non-football injury list and OLB Harold Landry III remains on the PUP list.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Rookie outside linebacker Gabe Jacas answered questions from reporters Tuesday for the first time since missing the entire spring and signing a contract two days into training camp, saying he wasn't looking back.
"First and foremost, I just want to say how grateful I am to be here," the second-round pick from Illinois told the assembled media after the ninth practice of training camp. "It was a long journey, but I'm just glad to be part of this organization. It's a blessing to be at practice and run around."
Jacas underwent a procedure on his left knee in May, which led to his absence and contract impasse. His contract includes an injury waiver that protects the team if his knee isn't healthy through his first three seasons.
He returned to practice for the first time Saturday and has been gradually increasing his workload since, which also includes one-on-one punt-protection work with coach Mike Vrabel. When asked about his knee, Jacas said he's "100%" and that he doesn't have long-range concerns.
The Patriots have had eight-year veteran Dre'Mont Jones and second-year player Elijah Ponder as their starting outside linebackers in training camp, with nine-year veteran Harold Landry III -- a starter in 2025 -- opening on the physically unable to perform list.
The 6-foot-4, 261-pound Jacas, who wears Vrabel's old No. 50, projects as a top backup.
"I will tell you this, he looks like an outside linebacker," Vrabel told Sirius XM NFL Radio. "I saw him in uniform and said, 'Well, this is kind of what they're supposed to look like.'"
From the media tent: Theme from OLB Gabe Jacas' interview - prefer not to look back at delayed start to rookie year. pic.twitter.com/Rdz7VvyqFd
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 4, 2026
More observations:
Ponder had a pass breakup after dropping into coverage and getting in a passing lane to make life hard on QB Drake Maye, who was looking for TE Hunter Henry.
Backup QB Tommy DeVito had one of the highlight plays, delivering a deep pass (40ish yards) to WR Mack Hollins along the right sideline (CB Channing Canada closest in coverage).
Two-minute offense, which culminated with bringing the field goal unit onto the field, was part of the end-of-practice script. The first- and second-unit offenses were successful.
Kicker Andy Borregales was 7-of-7 overall.
Undrafted LB Khalil Jacobs (Missouri) repping ahead of veteran LB K.J. Britt on the punt-protection unit was notable, as Jacobs has also been getting some reps ahead of Britt on defense recently.
Second-year WR Kyle Williams, who had hobbled off Saturday and didn't participate Monday, returned to what looked like a full workload.
WR Kayshon Boutte's knack for tracking the football down the field showed up again, with him adjusting to snare a deep pass from DeVito.
Punt return was the primary special teams focus of the day, with Marcus Jones, DeMario "Pop" Douglas, Romeo Doubs, Efton Chism III and Kobe Prentice the returners.
Former quarterback Brian Hoyer was present, watching practice from the field with his son, Garrett.
Former receiver Danny Amendola was present and then took part in a USAA "combine" event. "Guys look good, man. I love the receiving corps. Drake Maye looks great," he told reporters. "Guys are flying around, the energy was high, it was great to see."
Monday, Aug. 3
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs' transition from the Green Bay Packers to the New England Patriots has flown a bit under the radar since the arrival of A.J. Brown in early June.
So, in a sense, it was fitting that on the day Doubs was scheduled to visit reporters after practice that Brown was once again dominating headlines (he dislocated his left thumb but practiced through it).
He seems just fine with it.
"The process has been really good," the soft-spoken Doubs said. "I love where I am, I love where our team is, I love the intensity of camp practices and things of that nature."
Though Brown is the clear-cut No. 1 receiver, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Doubs has most often lined up alongside him as the No. 2 option. That's what many projected after the Patriots signed Doubs to a four-year, $68 million base-value contract in March as an unrestricted free agent.
The Patriots' top seven receivers are worthy of roster spots -- Brown, Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario "Pop" Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III -- making it one of the most competitive positions on the roster.
Doubs had a touchdown catch Monday as the team worked mostly in the red zone, with practice moved inside due to rain.
Of his chemistry with Drake Maye, he said: "It's growing. It's a day-to-day grind. It takes a certain amount of trust. I'm glad to be around a guy like Drake. He's a leader. He's poised."
Maye credited Doubs for learning the offense since his arrival, noting it was different than what he was accustomed to with the Packers.
"He hasn't been in an offense like that has some decision-making [for receivers]. I think he's getting better and better as he's gotten through OTAs and even in camp, he's making some great plays for us. He's kind of shifty and has a little wiggle to him that I didn't really expect throwing to him in camp."
More observations:
RB Terrell Jennings, who opened camp on the non-football injury list, passed his physical and practiced for the first time. He joins 2025 undrafted free agent Lan Larison, 2026 seventh-round draft pick Jam Miller and 2026 undrafted free agent Myles Montgomery in the competition for a roster spot behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
DT Milton Williams said rookie OLB Gabe Jacas, who hadn't been with the team in the spring and signed his contract two days into training camp, has been getting ribbed by coach Mike Vrabel in meetings, and he's handling it in stride. Williams said Jacas has been called in front of the team about five times by Vrabel, and he recently lightened the mood with a joke.
Kyle Williams, who hobbled off the field late in Saturday's practice, did not participate Monday.
Vrabel wore a scout-team linebacker jersey at one point in a walk-through portion of practice, and when he filled a gap to make a "tackle," he had a mock celebration by thrusting his right arm in the air.
Rookie CB Karon Prunty (fifth round, Wake Forest) had a pass breakup on a play in which Maye attempted to connect with Brown on a deep ball, which had the defense buzzing.
Prunty was in coverage on the final play of practice, when backup QB Tommy DeVito threw a fade to Boutte in the end zone, with the receiver flashing late hands for an impressive tight-window TD.
Undrafted WR Nick DeGennaro (James Madison) and Prunty had a shared-catch play on a deep ball from No. 3 QB Behren Morton along the right sideline. DeGennaro came away with the football after a lengthy period of time, but it's hard to say what an official might have ruled in a game.
Starting inside linebacker Christian Elliss didn't finish practice, which had Chad Muma (fifth year) stepping into the top unit alongside Robert Spillane.
Undrafted free agent inside linebacker Khalil Jacobs (Missouri) seemed to take second-unit repetitions over veteran K.J. Britt.
Six-year veteran James Hudson III, who has primarily been a tackle throughout his career, aligned at right guard with the second unit.
This was the Patriots' first indoor practice of training camp, with the team moving due to rain.
Saturday, Aug. 1
Rookie outside linebacker Gabe Jacas practiced for the first time Saturday, as he officially was removed from the non-football injury list.
It was a breakthrough for Jacas, whom the team traded up eight spots in the second round to select 55th overall in hopes he could spark its pass rush.
Jacas was limited in the practice, not yet participating in team drills. But he still made his presence felt by knocking over outside linebackers coach Mike Smith, who was holding a blocking pad and absorbing contact from rushers.
It had been a long time coming for Jacas, who was not with the team all spring after reporting for rookie minicamp May 7-9 as he underwent a procedure on his left knee. Jacas also didn't sign his contract until two days into training camp as the sides worked through a negotiation that included an injury waiver to protect the team.
"He loves football. He's been itching to get back," coach Mike Vrabel said Saturday. "He texts me late at night, 'Hey, am I going to practice tomorrow?' You want guys that are looking for ways in, as opposed to looking for ways out. I think he just wants to get out there, get acclimated and be with his teammates. He just wants to play football."
At one point in Saturday's practice, Vrabel worked one-on-one with Jacas on punt protection technique. Coincidentally, Jacas donned No. 50 -- the number Vrabel wore as a member of the Patriots.
On defense, Jacas projects as a backup behind veteran starters Dre'Mont Jones and Harold Landry III. With Landry opening camp on the physically unable to perform list (knee), second-year player Elijah Ponder has stepped into his starting role.
Bradyn Swinson (2025 fifth-round pick), Xavier Holmes (2026 undrafted free agent), Jesse Luketa (four-year veteran who spent last year on the Rams' practice squad), Quintayvious Hutchins (2026 seventh-round pick) and Amari Gainer (joined Patriots practice squad in December of 2025) round out the depth chart along with Jacas.
Scene setter: Rookie OLB Gabe Jacas (50) loosens up early in his first practice. He later ran over position coach Mike Smith. pic.twitter.com/jHWllxbXR8
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 1, 2026
More observations:
Saturday was a "call it" practice, which Vrabel explained meant there was no script and players didn't know what play would be called, or what situation would be created, and they had to react accordingly.
WR A.J. Brown didn't finish practice, which might have been related to Vrabel saying several veterans would have their workloads scaled back as the team practiced in full pads for the third straight day. Vrabel said before practice that CB Christian Gonzalez, G Alijah Vera-Tucker, CB Marcus Jones, RB Rhamondre Stevenson and OT Morgan Moses would fall into that category.
Starting DT Christian Barmore returned to practice after missing Friday's session, while starting CB Carlton Davis III remains sidelined after appearing to injure his hamstring Tuesday.
Third-year safety Dell Pettus recorded just the second interception of Drake Maye in seven training camp practices, stepping in front of a throw along the right side as Maye might have been affected by pressure from Ponder.
Rookie CB Karon Prunty (fifth round, Wake Forest) ran stride for stride with undrafted WR Cameron Dorner and intercepted a long pass from backup QB Tommy DeVito.
WR Romeo Doubs and RB Lan Larison fumbled in full-team drills.
LG Caedan Wallace, who was bumped down to the third unit Friday, left practice early with a member of the athletic training staff and didn't return.
Patriots alum Rob Ninkovich (2009-2016) was on hand to sign autographs.
Friday, July 31
Quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver A.J. Brown connected on their first deep ball in training camp Friday, and Brown also delivered a one-handed catch in the end zone in 2-on-2 work.
"It is just trying to feel the connectivity building now," Maye said. "You know when things are clicking and I thought we had some good plays today."
Each play sparked a rousing cheer from one of the most energetic crowds the Patriots have had in their six overall practices. Those fans might have been expecting more immediate fireworks from Maye and Brown when it was clear they were working to get on the same page, but things seemed to have turned a corner in recent days.
On Thursday, Maye connected with Brown on a couple of shorter touchdown passes. Friday marked the first time Brown got behind the defense with a double move (CB Christian Gonzalez closest in coverage), in part because coaches previously didn't have him running many deeper routes, if any at all.
Asked how he can foster more of a connection with Brown, Maye said: "Just giving more chances to him. You see with the ball in his hands, what he can do -- intermediate, short, deep. I'm not going to shy away from it, that's how I play. I'm going to keep going at it. It could be the fifth play in a row, I'm going to give him the rock."
Maye touched on the balance of doing so, but also throwing to a deep roster of wide receivers that also incudes Romeo Doubs, DeMario 'Pop' Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins and Efton Chism III.
"He's been a force in this league and I know we have a lot of players that make plays; that's the best thing about an offense like Coach McDaniels' -- it can be anybody on any given day and that's what the story was last year," Maye said.
"That's what we're trying to repeat, just have a little more juice and swagger to us."
Drake & A.J. x2 ☄️ pic.twitter.com/UZuQZD8DL4
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 31, 2026
More observations:
One day after first-round pick Caleb Lomu delivered a two-handed shove to OLB Bradyn Swinson in one-on-one pass-protection drills that had Swinson landing with a thud, Swinson got his revenge with a decisive win over Lomu (right tackle).
Starting DT Christian Barmore did not practice (unknown), while CB Carlton Davis III (who appeared to injure his hamstring Tuesday) also remained out.
Second-year WR Kyle Williams worked as the top kickoff returner alongside RB Lan Larison. Earlier in training camp, Vrabel talked about the desire to improve the team's kickoff return from last season (No. 19 in the NFL, 25.5 yards per return).
LG Mehki Butler, who spent 2025 on the practice squad, was bumped from the third unit to the second unit in place of Caedan Wallace.
Undrafted free agent LB Khalil Jacobs (Missouri) took some reps next to veteran Chad Muma on the second unit as he appears to be earning an expanded opportunity.
Undrafted free agent TE Tanner Arkin (Illinois) has taken advantage of the team's lack of experienced depth, as he continues to get repetitions with the top offense in team drills.
Hollins, who often stays late after practice to sign autographs, took things to a new level Friday by bringing fans on the field and racing them.
Thursday, July 30
On the day the Patriots practiced in full pads for the first time in training camp Thursday, first-round pick Caleb Lomu delivered a statement block.
The 6-foot-6, 313-pound offensive tackle moved his feet to mirror second-year outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson in a one-on-one pass-rushing drill, and when Swinson attempted to redirect to the inside, Lomu held his ground and capped the repetition with a two-handed shove that left Swinson on the ground.
It reflects the mentality with which Lomu wants to play.
"Finishing is the biggest key as an offensive lineman. You have to be able to know what to do and do it with a violent demeanor," he said.
There is a fine line when trying to show that in training camp, as Patriots coaches place a priority on keeping players upright to preserve their health. At the same time, Lomu said he has been determined to "finish longer than the guy with the ball" and "strain longer than the guy you're going against."
He acknowledged some nerves leading into Thursday's full-pads practice, but said those dissipated after absorbing initial contact.
To this point, Lomu has been the top backup behind starters Will Campbell (left) and Morgan Moses (right). So when Moses, 35, is given drills off, as was the case Thursday in the one-on-one pass-blocking period, Lomu steps in with the starters.
The 28th pick has also worked as a jumbo tight end, and in the spring, he took some reps at guard.
"He practices hard. He tries to learn. He tries to fix mistakes," Vrabel said. "He rarely makes the same mistake twice."
More observations:
WR Kyle Williams caught two touchdowns from backup QB Tommy DeVito in red zone work, the second of which he hauled in with one hand while making an impressive adjustment to the ball (CB Kindle Vildor in coverage).
WR A.J. Brown caught two short TD passes from QB Drake Maye in full-team drills.
WR Efton Chism III showed strong hands at the catch point, rising up in the end zone to make a contested TD catch on a throw from DeVito.
WR Kayshon Boutte, who has made three downfield catches as one of the early top offensive players in camp, said of the crowded WR room: "There's competition every year, just trying not to get lost in the sauce."
CB Carlton Davis III was not at practice after appearing to injure his hamstring Tuesday. His replacement, Charles Woods, returned after not finishing Tuesday due to what appeared to be a heat-related issue.
CB Christian Gonzalez, who is engaged in contract negotiations with the team, continued to be a full participant despite the increased injury risk by practicing in full pads.
DT Eric Gregory (6-3, 319) showed up in one-on-one pass-rush drills with what appeared to be two solid repetitions against C/G Ben Brown. The 2025 undrafted free agent from Arkansas is the type of player who benefits from finally being able to practice in full pads.
DT Christian Barmore had another dominating rep in one-on-one pass-rush drills, beating Alijah Vera-Tucker soundly after having been previously stopped by RG Mike Onwenu.
Vrabel said rookie OLB Gabe Jacas (second round, Illinois) is getting closer to practicing.
From the media tent: First-round pick Caleb Lomu highlights what he says is one of the critical parts of playing offensive line - finishing.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 30, 2026
"Being a violent player," he says.
(Lomu's first rep in 1-on-1 drills ended with his defender on the ground after a two-fisted shove.) pic.twitter.com/9ChVZ5CYCt
Wednesday, July 29
Defensive line, now the spotlight shines brighter on you.
When the Patriots return from Wednesday's day off for what is expected to be the first full-pads practice of training camp Thursday, it will be a chance to better assess if the position can be the backbone of the defense.
"Our goal is to set the tone every time we're out here. The whole defense follows the defensive line," sixth-year veteran Christian Barmore said. "Our goal is to dominate."
Defensive linemen can fine-tune technique and hand placement in non-padded practices -- and passionate position coach Clint McMillan demands it -- but the ability to play with power and proper pad level is best assessed in full-pads practices.
Here's what the depth chart has looked like through the first four non-padded practices:
Milton Williams (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) and Barmore (6-5, 315) have usually been the first two DTs on the field, and when the package calls for a third option to provide more sturdiness up front, Cory Durden (6-4, 305) gets the call in the role previously held by Khyiris Tonga (signed with Chiefs in free agency).
"He's a big guy, but he's athletic and smooth as well," Williams said of the energetic Durden (39.9% of the defensive snaps in 2025). "We're going to miss Tonga -- he was that big guy we had - but Cory is stepping in trying to fill that void."
When the Patriots go to the second unit, 2025 fourth-round pick Joshua Farmer (6-3, 312) and former practice-squad player Leonard Taylor III (6-3, 305) usually align at DT, with 2025 waiver-claim Eric Gregory (6-3, 319) in the Durden-Tonga type role.
Linebacker K.J. Britt, who is in his first season in New England after previously playing for the Buccaneers (2021-2024) and Dolphins (2025), believes there's potential for something special on defense.
"It all starts with the defensive line. We have a crazy defensive front and a very good group of edge guys," he said. "As long as those guys are wreaking havoc, it doesn't matter what we do on the back end, it's going to be scary for anybody."
CB Christian Gonzalez arrives and answers an initial question on his contract status, and Robert Kraft's remarks on the team's offer. pic.twitter.com/tVVFnjNmj8
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 28, 2026
More observations:
CB Christian Gonzalez has been a full participant in practice as his representatives negotiate a contract extension. Asked if that might change in full-pads practice, Gonzalez said, "I'll be out there."
Kicker Andy Borregales is 11-of-12 on field-goal attempts to this point. The one miss, on Tuesday, came after what appeared to be a low snap.
WR Mack Hollins is often the last player to leave the field, staying as long as an hour after practice to sign autographs for fans. "I have two hours off [after practices] ... and they are out here for two, three hours -- some at 6:30, 7:30 when I drive in in the morning they're already lined up," Hollins said. "So, I can go sign autographs."
Tuesday, July 28
Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez had a straightforward message regarding his ongoing contract extension talks with the Patriots: He won't be negotiating through the media.
Gonzalez spoke with reporters Tuesday for the first time since training camp began Saturday, the day owner Robert Kraft said the club offered him a deal that would make him the NFL's highest-paid cornerback and highest-paid player in franchise history.
His reaction?
"Everybody knows what Mr. Kraft has done. A ton of respect for Mr. Kraft and what he's done with this franchise. It's just something we don't want handle to the media. We want to keep that with the team, my team, and go on about that," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez was asked eight other questions relating to contract extension talks. Each time, he gave a variation of the same answer.
"I want to keep that between my agents and the front office and let them handle that," he said.
Asked if he's optimistic an extension will happen, he said, "I hope so."
Gonzalez was more verbose when asked questions specific to football and his full participation in practice, and one point he highlighted was that Tuesday felt different.
"We're building that chemistry. That's something we've been talking about a lot, because that's going to bring us together and help us get through tough games, get through tough practices -- like today. Today, to me, felt like the first real training camp practice," he said, referencing warmer and more humid temperatures and a faster pace.
Gonzalez said the team's Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks has motivated him.
"We had a tough ending to the year. That sits on everyone's mind all year. I just want to get on the field and do what I do."
More observations:
Starting CB Carlton Davis III appeared to injure a hamstring and didn't finish practice. His replacement, Charles Woods, was helped off the field by two staffers and also didn't finish practice in what might have been a heat-related situation.
WR Kayshon Boutte made his third big downfield catch in three non-walk-through practices, this time catching a long-bomb TD down the middle of the field from QB Drake Maye. Boutte made the catch right near the goal line as safety Kevin Byard was the closest defender at the time he made the catch.
TE Hunter Henry's tight-window catch from Maye was another offensive highlight, once again with Byard in coverage. It was a reminder of the chemistry Maye and Henry have already developed in recent years.
Still waiting on the Maye-to-A.J. Brown fireworks. There were two downfield incompletions when Maye looked in Brown's direction, which reflected how the two are still working to get on the same page.
Second-round pick Gabe Jacas (non-football injury list) came to watch practice about midway through and stood out with his long red sleeves -- a look former Patriot Matthew Judon made popular.
Patriots Hall of Famer Dante Scarnecchia, the longtime former offensive line coach, was among the alumni on hand to sign autographs.
Monday, July 27
The last time outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson was in the headlines, it was for landing on the ground along with quarterback Drake Maye in a hold-your-breath type moment.
That was during the final day of mandatory minicamp in June. Immediately after the play, perhaps sensing that the outlook for the Patriots' season could have changed in an instant had Maye been injured, Vrabel called players together and ended the practice earlier than expected.
Fast-forward to Monday, the third day of Patriots training camp, and Swinson was back in the headlines for a different reason -- as one of six players to visit the media/interview tent because of an intriguing opportunity ahead of him.
If things go according to his plans, the 2025 fifth-round pick will be terrorizing opposing quarterbacks this season as a key cog of an edge group that is one of the Patriots' unsettled positions. At the same time, he won't be in the same ZIP code as Maye ever again.
"It wasn't a knockdown," Swinson said when asked about the play. "I know [media reports] made it sound like I tackled him, but I literally fell behind him. I helped Drake right up. Accidents happen.
"You have to learn the lesson -- just stay away from the moneymaker, Drake Maye."
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Swinson, who spent 13 weeks on the practice squad last season before a late-year promotion to the active roster, has been bumped up the depth chart early in training camp with veteran Harold Landry III (physically unable to perform list) and 2026 second-round pick Gabe Jacas (non-football injury list) not cleared to practice (knee).
Swinson said he has been buoyed by a more nutritious diet after tipping the scales around 270 pounds last season.
"I started eating plantains, and I never thought I'd eat plantains," he cracked. "I lost a lot of weight, got a lot stronger, and I like looking in the mirror now. It looks good when you have a couple abs."
More observations:
OT Will Campbell, OLB Elijah Ponder, WR Kyle Williams and C Jared Wilson were named offseason award winners, according to Vrabel.
Seventh-year FB Reggie Gilliam returned to practice Monday after not being present Sunday, with Vrabel saying it was tied to a planned maintenance schedule and something that could continue at times in training camp.
Monday was a slower-paced walk-through, an approach Vrabel also took at times in 2025. "This is something that we feel like can help us be able to learn," he said, adding that players will need to show they can "still act like a professional football team, and take care of the details and some of the technique, but just at a different pace."
Sunday, July 26
Don't forget about Kayshon Boutte.
In a crowded Patriots wide receiver room, which includes trade acquisition A.J. Brown and big-money free agent signing Romeo Doubs, it was Boutte who delivered highlight plays each of the first two days of training camp.
On Sunday, Boutte corralled a back-shoulder throw from QB Drake Maye despite being tightly covered by CB Carlton Davis III. That came a day after Boutte got behind the defense to snare a diving 40-yard reception.
In a post-practice interview, veteran safety Kevin Byard highlighted Boutte's knack for making plays down the field.
Meanwhile, veteran Mack Hollins noted the deep WR room headlined by Brown, Doubs, Boutte, Kyle Williams, Pop Douglas and Efton Chism III and said of Boutte: "It's exciting to see that -- he makes plays when the ball comes his way. I think that's what makes a great receiver room -- guys just want to make plays when their name is called. They don't need anything other than that; they don't need any extra shine, they don't need any extra motivation. It's just, 'I'm a ballplayer, I line up and make a play.'"
More observations:
On a day the defense had the upper hand, second-year safety Craig Woodson registered the first INT of training camp, picking off a high Maye pass intended for Brown.
FB Reggie Gilliam was not spotted on the field after participating in the team's opening practice, while OLB Gabe Jacas, the second-round pick from Illinois who officially signed his contract Sunday, also did not practice. Coach Mike Vrabel hinted the team would take it slow with Jacas.
CB Christian Gonzalez was once again a full participant as he and the team remain engaged in contract negotiations.
With starting right tackle Morgan Moses limited as part of what appeared be an overall management plan to keep him fresh, first-round pick Caleb Lomu stepped in as the top right tackle.
Lomu and fellow rookie offensive lineman Dametrious Crownover circled the field and waved their arms to get a rise out of the crowd early, which added to the energy in practice. There might have been a bit of rookie ribbing from teammates involved.
Andy Borregales was 6-of-6 on FG attempts.
Patriots alums Christian Fauria, Jonas Gray and Joe Andruzzi were among those in attendance signing autographs for fans.
Saturday, July 25
When QB Drake Maye arrived at the interview podium following Saturday's opening practice, he smiled and said to reporters: "All right! We're back!"
It was a perfect New England morning, with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70s, which filled the bleachers and hillside with a standing-room-only crowd.
"It was great to be back out here. Shoutout to the fans," Maye said. "I thought the guys had some energy."
Maye shared that his hope was to start off with fireworks, so he targeted WR A.J. Brown in the first play of full-team drills. But the pass was incomplete, with Pro Bowl CB Christian Gonzalez in coverage.
"I think I had to -- one-on-one over there with Gonzo," Maye said with a smile. "I tried to start off camp with a bang, but I have to make a better throw for him."
Maye finished 6-of-9 in full-team drills. The highlight play was a deep ball to WR Kayshon Boutte, who got behind the defense and dove to haul in the 35-yard pass.
More observations from the day:
Veteran WR DeAndre Hopkins, who is a guest of the team as he works with the offensive coaching staff, created disruption for receivers in a low-tempo drill as they had to catch the ball with him creating a distraction.
WR Mack Hollins, barefoot and without a shirt on, was the final player to leave the field after signing autographs. As he ran back to the locker room, he shouted playfully in the direction of reporters, "We're going back to camp! Let's go to work!"
Owner Robert Kraft and his wife, Dana, hosted the second annual "Pawtriots" dog adoption event, which had players arriving to the practice field with dogs and pairing them up with their new families.
RB James White, who played for the team from 2014 to 2021, was an alumni guest and signed autographs for fans.
OLB Gabe Jacas, the second-round pick from Illinois, agreed to terms Saturday, according to a source close to the negotiation. He hadn't been with the team since rookie minicamp May 7-10.
Friday, July 24
On the day the New England Patriots officially reported for training camp, they were joined by veteran free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who for now is exchanging his playing helmet for coaching gear.
Coach Mike Vrabel and Hopkins have a connection from their time together with the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.
"DeAndre Hopkins is here with us, just to kind of check things out as far as what he wants to do as far as coaching. You'll see him on the field, whether that's [coaching or] personnel," Vrabel said in his opening news conference.
"Him and I talked, and he asked if he could hang out for a couple days and be around the coaches and be around the personnel department. I called the league and made sure that was going to be OK, and then I invited him back. That's where he's been the last couple days, and he'll be here for the next couple days."
Hopkins, 34, played for the Baltimore Ravens last season. He appeared in 17 games and totaled 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns.
Over his 13-year career, he has amassed 1,006 receptions for 13,295 yards and 85 touchdowns.
"Unbelievable player," sixth-year Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones said. "The expertise is much respected by everyone in the DB role, so having him in the building means a lot. That's a guy, whenever we have questions, we can actually ask them and learn about the knowledge of how guys think about running routes and also being a receiver."
The Patriots have a crowded receiver room headlined by A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, DeMario "Pop" Douglas and Efton Chism III, and Vrabel made it clear Hopkins wasn't with the team in a playing capacity.
"He has coaching gear on and is helping out the offensive coaches, meeting with our personnel guys," Vrabel said. "He loves football. People that love football that played the game for the length of time he did; wants to explore the opportunities and what that looks like after his playing career is over."