Patriots News 8/23: Daily Team Notebook
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Some Patriots News on this Tuesday:
– With the New England Patriots now in their final week of the preseason, there have been a couple of trade rumors floating around regarding a couple of key names on offense. According to multiple reports, teams have reportedly inquired on both offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. During a press conference earlier in camp, Wynn said little about the change to right tackle and it’s hard not to wonder if it’s a move that he’s not pleased about, especially after he’s missed time recently (he was back at practice on Monday in Las Vegas wearing a red non-contact jersey).
– Meanwhile, according to reports, Bourne’s absence on Friday night against the Panthers is believed to be discipline related due to his part in last week’s on-field brawl between the two clubs. Bourne was among several players thrown out after the incident, but judging what we’ve seen from the veteran, it’s hard to believe that would ignite a decision to move him. However, Bourne has seemingly struggled to get comfortable with the team’s new offense, so it’s possible there’s some friction from that standpoint. But after a terrific season where he caught 55 passes for 800-yards, it would be hard to imagine things are suddenly that difficult where he wouldn’t be able to be productive this season.
– Of the two, the decision to move Wynn would at least carry some logic. While the team doesn’t exactly have the best depth at tackle, along with the fact Trent Brown has had his own health issues, the financial benefit of moving the former first-round pick makes sense. According to Patriots cap expert Miguel Benzan, trading Wynn would free up $9.78 million in cap space, which is obviously significant. But considering that the team picked up Wynn’s fifth-year option this offseason and that his name is even being discussed as a trade possibility, that tells you that Wynn’s short answers during his press conference a few weeks ago could indicate all is not necessarily well, although one report did say that the team has no plans to move the veteran tackle at this time.
– Moving on, the team held its first practice in Las Vegas on Monday and it sounds like they had a productive outing. Hunter Henry was reportedly back on the field, which helped as the offense reportedly had some success. The tight end position continues to be a focus and Mac Jones had one drive where he connected with Jonnu Smith in the end zone, which finished off one possession. Bourne was also back in action on Monday and working with the first team, with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Bob Socci saying that the veteran looked like the same “energetic player” during his time on the field in practice.
– Head coach Bill Belichick had some praise for defensive back Jonathan Jones, who has put together a pretty good preseason so far. “John’s a smart player,” said Belichick. “He’s really played our position in the secondary, like a number of our guys have. So, good experience for him to work in different spots and we’ll see how that – I’m sure eventually we’ll use him and we’ll do that with some other guys too and somewhere along the line that will be beneficial for us.”
– Belichick was also apparently impressed with the Raiders facility, which he said was the best he’s every seen. “This is magnificent. I’ve been to a lot of good facilities and there have been some amazing college facilities, but I’d put this up there against any of them,” said Belichick. “I mean forget about the amenities, just the fields, the weight room, the offices, the indoor facility, the proximity, the ease of everything, yeah, this is as good as any I’ve seen. Better than any I’ve seen, not as good, it’s better than anything I’ve seen. It’s outstanding. It’s great for us to be able to work here. It’s ideal working conditions. We’ll walk in right in off the field, lift, get refueled and hydrate and they’ve got stations right there in the weight room, it’s set up good. We’re only a mile away, whatever it is, so it’s an easy transition getting dressed, getting taped, getting ready to go, coming over here getting off the bus then get ready to practice. It’s great.”
The team will hold the first of its two joint practices with the Raiders later this morning.
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