The Patriots were back at it for day two of preparations for the Miami Dolphins with a practice under cooler conditions that won't be of much use to them this weekend in the south Florida heat, as well as an open locker room period.

Rookie Chase Winovich spoke with reporters for the first time since making his debut against the Steelers, playing 56.7 percent of the snaps on defense and 50 percent of the snaps on special teams, recording one tackle.

It was a special night for the third rounder, facing the team he rooted for growing up.

"It was really cool getting to play the Steelers. I grew up watching the Steelers, playing Pittsburgh area youth football," said Winovich. "It was a pretty humbling experience. I'm just happy to be here and happy to have this opportunity that I have."

Winovich is part of a deep and talented linebacker group, where there are plenty of experienced NFL defenders to learn from. Perhaps the biggest adjustment for the young pass rusher is getting used to the size and speed of NFL players, especially his primary foe on the field, the offensive tackles.

"When I was coming out of college I remember asking what the tackles in the NFL are like," Winovich recalled. "They said the backups on the team are as good if not better than any tackle that you'll face in college. That kind of put things into perspective."

Moreso, playing in the NFL is a greater challenge across the board for multiple reasons.

"There's a lot more that goes into every piece of everything you do," said Winovich. "A, it's a lot more competitive because if you don't do it somebody else will. And secondly, the competition is a lot better."

At the end of the day it's still football and Winovich seemed to be enjoying the NFL grind.

"I really don't have too much nerves. I think I'm kind of over that at this point. It's football for me. I'm just taking it one step at a time. At the end of the day I have an assignment to do," said Winovich. "I'm just trying to do my assignment and help the team win."

Practice & Injury Report

The team once again welcomed a full team at practice on a cool and windy day that was in stark contrast to the summer heat and humidity of Wednesday's. Antonio Brown had settled on number 17 after wearing number 1 in yesterday's practice.

The Patriots injury report remained unchanged from Wednesday:

• Brandon Bolden – Hamstring – Limited
• Marcus Cannon – Shoulder – Limited
• Matt LaCosse – Ankle – Limited

For the Dolphins two starting safeties appeared on the report for the second day in a row:

• Trent Harris – Foot – DNP
• Reshad Jones – Ankle – DNP
• Albert Wilson – Hip/Calf – DNP
• Julian Davenport – Knee - Limited
• Jonathan Ledbetter – Ankle – Limited
• Bobby McCain – Shoulder – Limited
• Charles Harris – Wrist – Full

Locker Room Sound Bites

Phillip Dorsett on assimilating into a new team like Antonio Brown is doing.

"I've been in his shoes, coming into a team, missing the whole offseason, not really having any camaraderie. I know what to expect. I know how he's thinking, I know what he's thinking so, obviously, it's a big help if somebody can lend a hand, just having someone telling him what to expect, what's the expectation playing here. Obviously I can be a big help."