7 Patriots training camp observations from Day 5: Key WR returns for first day of pads
'We want to be able to practice the same way we have to play, which is physical and within the rules,' Vrabel said. 'Have a great play demeanor, finish through the whistle, and all those things."
While it was a quieter day for the offense, with the focus on the run game, one key player returned while a starter left the field limping during practice.
So, without further ado, let's get into the top observations from the fifth day of training camp.
1. Christian Gonzalez Limps Off The Field
During one of the 11-on-11 sessions, Gonzalez was tasked with covering Stefon Diggs, in which the veteran receiver caught a pass from Maye. Gonzalez grabbed his left leg after the play and was seen limping off the field alongside trainers. He didn't return to practice.
The good sign was that he walked off on his own, but it's never good to see one of the Patriots' star players leave training camp in that manner. Carlton Davis, who is the presumed starter alongside Gonzalez, was also absent, leaving Alex Austin, Marcus Jones, and Marcellas Dial (slot) as the top three cornerbacks.
2. Ja'Lynn Polk Returns
After missing the first four days of training camp with muscle tightness, second-year wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk returned to the field. He struggled in his rookie year, but is looking to get back on track. And Polk certainly jumped out to a good start with a six-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye during a red zone team period.
3. Quarterback Stats
It was a quieter day for the offense, with the focus mostly on the run game in the red zone. Here is how the quarterbacks did on Monday:
Drake Maye: 5/6Joshua Dobbs: 2/2Ben Wooldridge: 2/3
Maye also appeared to take what would have been three sacks, including two from K'Lavon Chaisson.
4. Defense Dominated 1-on-1s
The defensive line and offensive line squared off against one another on one part of the field, while the wide receivers and the cornerbacks competed on another. Overall, the defense came out on top, but there were some impressive plays from individual players.
Keion White certainly gave rookie left tackle Will Campbell some trouble, providing him with a true "welcome to the NFL." However, once they transitioned to 11s, Campbell fared a lot better, including a nice block on Milton Williams to open up a lane for Rhamondre Stevenson.
As for the wide receivers vs. the cornerbacks, the defense mostly came out on top, staying in tight coverage and knocking the ball out when they could. Some of the highlight plays from the offense included Kyle Williams' one-handed catch in the corner of the end zone over Marcellas Dial. Kayshon Boutte won both of his matchups against Gonzalez, while DeMario Douglas used a nice move to get past Marcus Jones, with Jones having to do pushups in return.
'Iron sharpens iron every day, so my focus is on getting better every day, working towards the best plays and getting sharp every day,' Boutte said regarding his matchups against Gonzalez.
5. Kicker Battle Takes Interesting Turn
Parker Romo was the only kicker to take any field goal attempts during the team period, despite rookie kicker Andy Borregales being out there as well. Romo went 6-for-6 from distances ranging between 30 and 50 yards.
6. Attendance
Absent: LB Jahlani Tavai, CB Carlton Davis, WR Mack Hollins (PUP), OT Vederian Lowe (PUP), TE Austin Hooper (PUP)
Returning: WR Ja'Lynn Polk, SJosh Minkins (NFI)
7. What's Next?
The Patriots will be back out on the field on Tuesday for their sixth practice of the summer, with gates set to open at 9:15 a.m. ET and practice beginning at 10:15 a.m. ET.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 7 Patriots training camp observations from Day 5
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