The Patriots released some practice photos recently and, according to Zack Cox of NESN, some of the pictures seem to indicate the much anticipated returns of several previously-injured Patriots. These players included running back James White, cornerback Jonathan Jones, tight end Dalton Keene, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, and linebacker Anfernee Jennings.
White suffered a hip injury last year that required surgery serious enough to end his season and leave him bedridden for months. He hasn’t been fully cleared to return, but seeing him active on the field bodes well for his recovery.
Jones had surgery to repair his shoulder in October and missed the remainder of the season in recovery. McMillan tore his ACL before the season started, but impressed in his limited time before the injury. Keene and Jennings were both placed on injured reserve in August and missed the entire season as a result.
Here are a few other rumors from New England:
- New England turned some heads on Day 3 of the Draft when they selected quarterback Bailey Zappe in the fourth round. At a point in the Draft where some teams normally address their positional needs, the Patriots selected a quarterback in the first draft after rookie passer Mac Jones led them to the playoffs. For an explanation, ESPN’s Mike Reiss pointed to a discussion with analysts Todd McShay and Louis Riddick, in which they cover “how it can be good business to draft and develop quarterbacks.” He also quotes former NFL general manger Randy Mueller who applauded the pick, saying that he would rather draft for value over need at that point in the Draft.
- After not appearing in any regular season games last season, second-year Patriots outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins is ready to take the next step, according to Reiss. Perkins was buried on the depth chart behind Kyle Van Noy, now with the Chargers, and Jamie Collins, now a free agent. The departure of Van Noy and Collins leaves a hole opposite Pro Bowl pass rusher Matt Judon and Reiss reports that New England coaches are confident Perkins is getting ready to step up.
the Zappe pick truly made no sense
Zap was my favorite American Gladiator
How does it make no sense? The Pats have been doing this for 20 years? They draft and develop a QB and then flip him for additional assets, normally exceeding their initial investment… some fans just need to pay attention
4th round pick on a backup qb after taking their franchise qb last year makes pretty much no sense
Read the other response again. If they flip him in a couple years for better draft picks, then it’s an investment. That’s what Bill is hoping for, and I’m guessing he knows more about football than we do.
better return is not guaranteed.
what I’d guaranteed is the Pats missed out on a Day 2 pick leading up to a season where they could use all the help they can get
Fine to reach and try to develop a potential investment chip when you only have a few roster holes to fill like they did in the last 20 yrs but not wise when you need as many impactful roster assets now.
Belichick is on the hot seat. If he goes a fourth year without a playoff win, heads will roll.
definitely not on the hot seat.
great coach, terrible as a gm
As long as Bob Kraft remains the owner and Bill wants to continue doing what he’s always done he will never be on the hot seat
ya he has a very long leash and making the playoffs last year was pretty impressive being that the team is in rebuild mode
It wasn’t just Brady leaving… there were so many key opt outs during the Covid season, and some never came back. They were able to replenish during the FA period last year and took a rookie QB to the playoffs. The team is still getting younger and faster too.
Any way you chop it up, it’s gonna be tough to contain Josh Allen and the Waddle/Hill combo. I think when Bill drafted Mac he knew it was at least a three year plan. They got some good value at the bottom of the draft this year so we’ll see what happens. Surprisingly, the Jets looked great at the draft and keep building talent too so the East looks to be very competitive for the next few years. Team to beat is still obviously buffalo until further notice. I like buffalo and the chargers next year