FOXBORO (CBS) –  The New England Patriots held a light practice Monday morning, but head coach Bill Belichick made sure many details were ironed out with their preseason opener just a few days away.

With officials at practice for the first time this season, and a meeting with the Saints coming up Thursday, Belichick barked out down and distance – with the aid of the chains – as the team went with a situation-heavy practice.

There was also a lot of special teams work, something Belichick places a heavy emphasis on throughout camp.

Quarterback Tom Brady — along with Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett — stuck around after practice was over to get some more throws in, as did tight end Rob Gronkowski. In an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Gresh and Zolak, Gronkowski said he caught about 50 extra passes after practice ended.

Linebacker Brandon Spikes was a notable absence from Monday’s practice.

There was some fun at camp on Monday. In what has become an annual tradition at Patriots Training Camp, rookies got a little wet.

With nose tackle Vince Wilfork handling the hose, Patriots rookies had to go through the slip-and-slide gauntlet down at Gillette. With Wilfork spraying them, the rookies had to run through the water and recover a fumble.

The Patriots will hold joint practices with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading up to their Thursday night preseason game.

The WBZ Family has you covered for Thursday’s preseason opener. Pregame coverage on 98.5 The Sports Hub kicks off at 4pm, and following the Patriots-Saints tune in the Patriots Postgame Show. Tune in to a special Patriots Pregame on WBZ-TV at 7pm, and following the game hear all the reaction and analysis on Patriots 5th Quarter.