Before the Kayshon Boutte demanded our attention, the New England Patriots made their return to the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. Their 21st session this summer was held in full pads, with multiple players sidelined, and star cornerback Christian Gonzalez making his return.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson: With TreVeyon Henderson leaving practice during an early 11-on-11 period, the Patriots could have moved one of their available backup running backs — Hassan Haskins or JaMycal Hasty — up to work with the starting offense. They opted to go a different route, and simply upped Stevenson’s workload. Despite taking virtually every meaningful rep, the veteran looked very good.
Stevenson was at his best during the simulated end-of-game situation to close out practice. He caught two passes during the series, including an impressive over-the-shoulder touchdown grab on a wheel route while covered tightly by linebacker Robert Spillane. The 15ish-yard reception was one of multiple touchdowns scored by the sixth-year runner on the day, and showed how he can be a factor both as a ball-carrier and a receiving option.
Other performances of note
OL Greg Van Roten: With Ben Brown unavailable for the time being, the Patriots brought in Van Roten in free agency. On Monday, he showed the value the team sees in him by lining up at all three interior line spots. Starting out at right guard, he also saw action on the left and at center — all as part of the first-team offense. His chances of making the team continue to look good.
The rookie edges: The Patriots selected two outside linebackers in this year’s draft, and both performed well on Monday. Lining up as the starters on the second-team defense, Gabe Jacas and Quintayvious Hutchins were disruptive for much of the day. Jacas registered three hurries and a stuffed run, while Hutchins worked his way into the backfield on a couple of occasions.
John Saunders Jr: His outlook is uncertain with the Patriots bringing in Jaylen Reed as part of the Kayshon Boutte trade, but Saunders Jr. continues to do his thing nonetheless. And this thing in 2026 is making splash plays: on Monday, the second-year man registered his fifth takeaway this summer when he hauled in a Tommy DeVito pass for an interception.
Other players worth highlighting include tight ends Hunter Henry and Tanner Arkin. The former was actively involved during team drills, at one point catching a touchdown in an end-of-game setting, while the latter spent time with the starters as both a tight end and fullback. James Hudson, meanwhile, looked more comfortable moving back from guard to safety.
The Patriots will hold their 22nd and final practice of this year’s training camp on Tuesday. The session, which will be closed to the public but open to the media, will kick off at 2:30 p.m. ET. As always, Pats Pulpit will be present to cover it.
