Training Camp Report: Patriots keep Rob Gronkowski out of joint practice with Redskins
Shane Vereen in blocking drills |
It's notable but not necessarily surprising that tight end Rob Gronkowski was held out of today's joint practice with the Washington Redskins.
Gronk has returns to practice during training camp, an early indication he could be ready by week 1 after tearing his ACL late last season.
Still, he has not been working in team drills, which there will be many of in a joint practice. I also wouldn't bet on Gronk suiting up for preseason at any point.
In other injury news, Roy Finch was back on the field after an injury scare in Friday night's in stadium practice. The undrafted rookie runningback has been impressive in camp thus far, so it's a good sign for him to bounce back quickly and stay on the field.
Attendance:
Practice is underway here in Richmond, and there's no sign of Rob Gronkowski.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 4, 2014
RB Brandon Bolden not present for joint practices. More reps for the likes of Stephen Houston, Jonas Gray & Roy Finch.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 4, 2014
No Stork again for the Patriots. Not good for interior line competition #patriotstalk
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 4, 2014
Highlights:
Julian Edelman is also apparently tearing up the Redskins' territory. We've heard of him having some success in camp, but not much due to Revis covering him the majority of the team. Perhaps Redskins veteran corner DeAngelo Hall is a breath of fresh air for Edelman, comparatively.
Brady and Edelman torch Hall on one play. Ridley trucks Hall on the next.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 4, 2014
Julian Edelman doing work in 11 on 11s. Can't cover him #patriotstalk
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 4, 2014
"That guy is a skyscraper!" a Redskins fan says during 11-on-11 drills. Rookie TE Justin Jones just caught a nice pass down the seam.
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) August 4, 2014
One observation, based on the past hour: The Pats D-line is really giving Washington's O-line the business.
— Jarrett Bell (@JarrettBell) August 4, 2014
Thompkins and DeAngelo Hall had done heated battles. Each had his moments. #patriotscamp
— Paul Perillo (@pfwpaul) August 4, 2014
Receivers did a nice job getting open and making plays with Brady finding them. Edelman continues to stand out #patriotscamp
— Paul Perillo (@pfwpaul) August 4, 2014
Julian Edelman caught 8 of Brady's 27 completions in team drills. Will post full stats on the blog.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 4, 2014
Ridley was running really well in 11-on-11s. He was the best back on the ground today.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 4, 2014
Pass rush was terrific during early 11-on-11s. In 1 sequence, Jones batted a pass, teamed w/Hightower for a sack, Ninkovich got a sack.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 4, 2014
Lowlights:
OL struggled at times, especially the younger guys. Orakpo got the edge a few times in team periods #patriotscamp
— Paul Perillo (@pfwpaul) August 4, 2014
Joint practice concluding. 1-on-1 rush drills caught my eye. Real good test/experience for young Pats OL, who had tough time.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 4, 2014
Other Notes:
Brady was 11 of 14 in 7 on 7s, 16 of 19 in 11s. Mallett was 9 of 12 in 7s, 5 of 11 in 11s. Garoppolo's only team reps were last 11s (1 of 4)
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 4, 2014
#Patriots rookie Roy Finch just spent a moment chatting with Joe Theismann, who's on hand this morning
— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) August 4, 2014
Tom Brady wearing huge brace on left knee. Lesson learned from Bucs joint practices last year. pic.twitter.com/wKc7J5kchQ
— Zuri Berry (@zuriberry) August 4, 2014
Practice over. A lot of thumping today. So much more physical than your typical training camp practice
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) August 4, 2014
Practice here in Richmond is over. A lot of 11-on-11 work and 1-on-1 drills on first day. DJ Williams with a lot of time at TE w/Gronk down
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) August 4, 2014