Patriots Training Camp Observations: QB Depth Undergoes Notable Change

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots returned to Gillette Stadium on Thursday, looking to build on a relatively unexceptional opening day of camp. New England did just that, actually producing some headlines on Day 2. We kept an eye on all the happenings down at One Patriot Place: ONE BIG TAKEAWAYThe Patriots saw three quarterbacks take […]

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots returned to Gillette Stadium on Thursday, looking to build on a relatively unexceptional opening day of camp.

New England did just that, actually producing some headlines on Day 2.

We kept an eye on all the happenings down at One Patriot Place:

ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The Patriots saw three quarterbacks take competitive snaps on the second day of training camp: Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye and Joe Milton III.

Do you notice any absences from that list?

New England’s first major change of camp came rather quickly, as Bailey Zappe was passed over during the 11-on-11 team period at the end of the club’s second practice. Brissett got 12 reps. Maye got 10. Milton got five.

Zappe? Zero.

It’s too early to draw any major conclusions, but Zappe’s status will undoubtedly be monitored as things get more competitive throughout camp. The Patriots obviously like what they’ve seen out of Milton, which has been some quick decision-making and a rocket arm. He also hasn’t put the ball in danger to this point, either, which is the top thing you ask out of a rookie.

Zappe isn’t going to be cut by the end of the week or anything, but it might not be long before a more declarative decision is made regarding his status in the QB room.

NOTES
— Davon Godchaux was a late arrival Thursday, showing up roughly halfway through practice without a helmet. He didn’t participate in individual or team drills, so if New England wasn’t dealing with any “hold-ins” before, it could be now.

— The Patriots made a change to their top offensive line unit, replacing Calvin Anderson with Vederian Lowe at right tackle. It didn’t produce great results, as his first rep led to an immediate pressure and throw away by Brissett.

No bueno.

— Antonio Gibson (NFI) returned to practice in a limited capacity, working with strength coaches on the lower field. Terrell Jennings, the undrafted rookie running back, joined him after being a full participant Wednesday.

— DeMario Douglas didn’t participate in team drills, following the same trend as Day 1. He’s dealing with a hand injury, according to Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston, though it hasn’t been enough to keep him out of individual workouts.

— Maye went 10-for-12 in 16 competitive reps, finishing 2-for-2 in his initial 11-on-11 stretch, 6-for-6 in 7-on-7s and 2-for-4 with a drop in his second 11-on-11 session. He wasn’t exactly airing it out, though, as four of his completions were check downs to running backs.

— Brissett was 8-for-12 in 18 competitive reps, finishing 2-for-3 in the initial 11-on-11s, 5-for-6 in 7-on-7s and 1-for-3 with two sacks in the second 11-on-11 period. The Brissett-led offense had a stretch where they allowed a sack, completed a quick pass, were then forced to re-huddle/take timeout only to have a run stuff on the opposite end.

— New England will return to the field Friday.