The Patriots kicked off joint practice No. 1 on Monday, as they’ll take on the Eagles Thursday in their second preseason game. Joint practice No. 2 will be Tuesday, and the two teams will have an off day Wednesday in preparation for Thursday’s affair.
On Sunday’s practice, which took place in Foxboro at New England’s facility, Jonnu Smith suffered an ankle injury as he got tangled up with Devin McCourty in a drill. Smith was signed to a four-year, $50 million dollar deal this offseason.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that their isn’t a timetable for his return, but he also noted that the injury isn’t considered serious.
However, several players returned to the field Sunday. Linebacker Chase Winovich, wideout Nelson Agholor, and tight end Hunter Henry all returned from the PUP (Physically unable to perform) list.
On Monday, another injury struck the tight end core, as in their joint practice with the Eagles, Matt LaCosse, who opted out of last season, was hit by Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (6-foot-3, 260 pounds).
LaCosse was on the ground for a couple minutes, as Barnett went to check on him, before the tight end walked up and walked off the field with trainers.
Despite Henry returning, he was sidelined for competitive 11-on-11’s. That means Henry, Smith, and LaCosse did not participate, and tight ends combined for just one catch — which was Troy Fugamalli on a short pass, thrown by Mac Jones.
As noted by NESN’s Zack Cox, tight end Devin Asiasi does not have one reception during 11-on-11’s, although Cam Newton targeted him today on a forced throw but the pass was intercepted.
Newton said today that Bill Belichick hasn’t told him or Mac Jones who will be starting Week 1, despite Newton taking first-team reps all of training camp. Jones has continued to take second-team reps.
On the 24th of August, teams will have until 4 p.m. EST to cut the roster down from 90 to 85 players. The Patriots have already cut several players, including WR Marvin Hall, but Nick Caruso will have more coverage on that when the roster is officially cut down.
(Photo of Matt LaCosse by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)