The Patriots traveled to West Virginia yesterday and are on the practice field today with the Texans are they will hold joint practices before their preseason week 2 matchup on Saturday night. It was 70 degrees and muggy for day one of joint practices, but it was definitely nicer than being in the Texas heat in the middle of August.
Slater, Gillislee, Brandon King, Davis, Hightower, McClellin, Garcia, Jelks, Solder, Lengel, and Wise were all absent from practice today. Stephon Gilmore did not participate today but was on the field. Just did not participate in team drills.
With Gillislee out, Brandon Bolden continues to receive a solid number of reps at running back. Burkhead also got some reps today and even made a nice catch along sideline. One thing we saw today that we have not seen all camp was Branch, Amendola, and Mitchell all taking part in fully-padded 11-on-11, none of them have been part of these drills yet this summer.
The Texans Defensive line was giving the Patriots fits all practice long as Mercilus and Watt would have had multiple sacks should this have been a real game. The Texans defensive line was even missing Jadeveon Clowney, they will be dangerous when they are all together.
The play of the day came in a hurry-up situational play when Brady connected with Hogan for a 50 yarder, it was a perfect throw by Brady.
Brady was 18 of 27 in team drills, Garoppolo was 12 of 21 with another inconsistent day there were times he looked very good and other where he did not. He started 2 of 10 but closed 10 of 11 over two periods of the two-minute drill.
The Patriot will be back out on the field tomorrow for day 2 of joint practices.
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