The Patriots three-day mandatory mini-camp got underway in rainy Foxborough on Tuesday with 88 players present and accounted on the field. Bill Belichick said that all the players were present, and while the conditions impacted the overall performance they did not prevent the team from getting in some solid work.
ESPNBoston.com breaks down the first day and explains how a few Patriots are still working their way back into the mix. The offense seemed to be more affected by the rain and Belichick made sure to let them know.
Jimmy Garoppolo was one of several Patriots who spoke to the media after practice. The backup quarterback says he's ready to play. The Boston Globe tries to read between the lines of some of Garoppolo's comments. The Boston Herald says a contract extension for the backup may not be so easy.
Rob Gronkowski is coming off back surgery but he was a full participant in the events. He told reporters afterward that he is 100 percent.
The Boston Globe says stopping opposing running backs may be a big challenge for the Patriots defense this season. The Boston Herald has guard Joe Thuney looking to improve in his second year. Their notebook leads with Jacoby Brissett working hard to close the gap between him and the other two quarterbacks. CSNNE.com chats with Brissett as well. Andrew Hawkins could make an impact with his new team.
Belichick was asked about comments made by Tom Brady's wife, Gisele Bundchen, who indicated the quarterback has dealt with concussions in the past.
The Providence Journal offers some highlights from mini-camp. MassLive.com singles out D.J. Foster and explains how the versatile second-year man continues working as both a running back and receiver. They provide some observations as well.
Finally, ESPN.com offers grades for every team’s offseason from NFL executives.
