Mike Gesicki leaves early with an damage, and different observations from Patriots observe

Patriots

The newest on Mike Gesicki’s damage, Malik Cunningham’s reps, and which lineman is the very best punt returner.

The Patriots wrapped up their final observe in Foxborough on Monday earlier than heading to Inexperienced Bay for joint practices later this week.

With one other journey to Nashville on the schedule for the next week, Monday marked the final media availability at Gillette Stadium for about two weeks.

Listed below are a couple of observations from Monday’s observe.

Mike Gesicki leaves with an damage

The Patriots have been engaged on a 1-on-1 tackling drill when Mike Gesicki took successful from Jahlani Tavai. Gesicki left observe with what gave the impression to be an upper-body damage and didn’t return.

In response to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, it was a brand new drill that permits tackling to the bottom. The Patriots proceed to ramp up the physicality of their practices as joint practices, together with the common season, strategy.

Malik Cunningham wasn’t sporting a crimson jersey

After main the Patriots’ solely landing drive in Thursday’s preseason opener towards Houston as a quarterback, Malik Cunningham spent most of his observe time on Monday working with the huge receivers.

He was sporting a white jersey, which is what the opposite offensive gamers wore. However Cunningham, who’s listed as a quarterback on the roster, was the one quarterback at observe who didn’t put on a crimson non-contact jersey.

Cunningham took a handful of snaps at quarterback, nevertheless it wasn’t practically the quantity Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe took.

“It’s alright,” Belichick mentioned of Cunningham’s progress at quarterback. “He’s received so much to be taught, lengthy approach to go however he’s working laborious. We’ll see the way it comes alongside. 

Kendrick Bourne is within the ‘finest form’ of his life

Kendrick Bourne is beginning to string collectively numerous strong observe performances.

He had a highlight-reel worthy one-handed catch that triggered Mac Jones to dash into the tip zone and hi-five him. It was considered one of a number of catches that made Bourne stand out on Monday.

“I really feel good,” Bourne mentioned. “I really feel the very best I’ve ever felt. Finest form of my life. Simply having the ability to do extra, that’s the important thing.”

Having enjoyable with linemen returning punts

On the finish of observe, the Patriots held a lighthearted competitors. Which offensive or defensive lineman may return a punt.

A number of gamers mentioned that there was an opportunity to get out of conferences early if the linemen carried out nicely sufficient within the drill. The linemen caught two of the three punts, which led Matthew Slater to joke that the efficiency ought to have them achieved by 8:00.

“The primary one was a bit rocky, we advised the punter that he was alleged to work with us, give them like a kickoff or one thing,” Bourne mentioned. “A few of these punts are loopy … Mafi gave them like a bit juke transfer. Keion [White] and [Antonio] Mafi [were the best]. Sidy [Sow], he’s only a massive man, he’s not as athletic, no knock to him, however Keion and Mafi are on one other degree proper now.”

Mike Onwenu replace

With the common season lower than a month away, beginning offensive guard Mike Onwenu nonetheless hasn’t practiced with the crew. When requested if his standing for the beginning of the season may very well be in jeopardy, Belichick mentioned:

“Day-to-day. Take it day-to-day,” Belichick mentioned. “When he’s prepared we’ll put him on the market. If he’s not prepared, then he’ll keep on PUP, identical as all the different gamers which can be in that very same classification. Once they’re prepared, they’re prepared.”