Overview
- The two teams began joint practices on Wednesday and will work together again Thursday before meeting in a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on Saturday.
- A.J. Brown was matched early with Quinyon Mitchell, made a near one-handed catch and later a sideline grab, and was reported to have played very well in 11-on-11 team periods.
- Cornerback Christian Gonzalez did not practice and has been out since August 10 with an apparent injury while his contract situation continues to be monitored, which has increased snaps for depth options in New England’s secondary.
- Coaches are using the sessions to test the Patriots’ offensive line against Philadelphia’s front seven, with big-name defenders such as Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis creating a tougher pass-rush and run-defense measuring stick.
- Both clubs are using the extra live reps to clarify camp battles and special-teams roles, with the Eagles adding CB Isaiah Bolden to their 90-man roster and the Patriots making veteran guard additions as they approach preseason cutdowns.