Patriots Training Camp Day 1: Tom Brady Leads The Charge
BOSTON (CBS) -- Football is back in New England, as the Patriots held their first practice of 2016 training camp on Thursday.
There are several questions surrounding the team, many of which will be ironed out over the next few weeks. The Pats will play their first game two weeks from today when they host the New Orleans Saints at Gillette.
Here's what is going on down at Gillette during the Patriots' first practice, with Tom Brady leading the charge:
Tom Brady Leads The First Reps
Brady took the first snap of training camp. But Jimmy Garoppolo wasn't far behind. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots split the QB reps throughout camp.
Jamie Collins Not On The Field
There was one notable absence when camp got underway, with superhuman linebacker Jamie Collins not spotted on the field.
Reiss does note that Collins reported to camp on time, so this doesn't appear to be any sort of holdout. Collins is scheduled to become a free agent after this season.
Shaq Mason Hits The Field
Offensive lineman Shaq Mason was one of seven players who started camp on the PUP list, but he didn't stay there very long. Mason, entering his second NFL season, is part of a crowded group competing for playing time on the interior of the offensive line.
Matthew Slater Honors Nate Ebner
Special teamer Nate Ebner is off to Rio for the Olympics, and Bill Belichick hopes the rugby player brings back "something around his neck." Special teams captain Matthew Slater likely misses his special teams buddy, so he donned his jersey at practice this morning:
Packed House
Per usual, Gillette was the place to be on Thursday. There were 12,393 fans in attendance for the first practice, the Patriots announced.
Much more to come throughout the day, so stay tuned!