Patriots announce 2024 training camp schedule

It may feel like the dog days of the NFL offseason, but football will be back soon enough. In fact, the New England Patriots will return to the field for their first practice of the summer in less than a month.

On Tuesday, the Patriots announced the dates for 13 open training camp practices. Practices will begin Wednesday, July 24, with the released schedule running through August 13. Here’s a look at the full Patriots training camp schedule…

After camp begins, it’s usually three or four days before the teams begin fully-padded practices. That makes July 28 or 29 the most likely dates for the first padded practice of the year.

In the past, the team has held one in-stadium practice each year for season ticket holders and Foxborough residents. That practice typically concludes the second week of Patriots training camp, which on this schedule would be August 3. However those practices have been Fridays with the team off Saturday - this year they have a practice scheduled Saturday.

Last on the current schedule is the team’s lone joint practice of the year, with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday August 13. The Patriots will then host the Eagles for their second preseason game two days later.

All Patriots training camp practices on this schedule are open to the public. Each practice is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m., with gates opening to the public at 10:00. Practices are free to attend. More information can be found here.

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Over the past month the New England Patriots have gone through the final stages of the NFL's offseason workout program, which culminates with full-team on-field work. That began with OTA practices over the past few weeks, and then minicamp this past week.

Now that all of that work is in the books, the Patriots will have about a month and a half off before beginning training camp in late July. This natural breaking point is a good chance to collectively look at what we've seen so far, and what the big storylines will be when camp gets underway.

The best way to do that? Our first Patriots roster projection of 2024.

First, let’s get some important context out of the way, on how I approach each Patriots roster projection. These projections reflect if the team had to make cuts today. There is still a whole training camp to go, and that’s when these position battles will be decided. We’ll touch on what’s at stake in certain spots for this summer, but for now we’re not going to project performances that haven’t happened.

Also, because of some of the new rules regarding practice squad elevations and IR returns, teams can play games with the initial initial roster before lining things up for Week 1. This is more a look at the Week 1 roster than the true initial roster.

Alright, that’s all of the bookkeeping out of the way. Now, it’s time to get started with our post-spring Patriots roster projection.

Note: All players are listed alphabetically in their position groups. Order does not reflect a projected depth chart. Rookies are in italics.

--Jacoby Brissett
--Drake Maye

The Patriots will likely roster three quarterbacks at some point this season, but they may not need to out of the gate. They should be able to get Joe Milton to the practice squad, before adding him to the active roster when they have more space. 

As for Bailey Zappe, his role significantly decreased as the spring went on which suggests he’s not a part of the team’s long-term plans. Jerod Mayo told reporters before the final minicamp practice the team plans on bringing four quarterbacks into camp, but Zappe could be a trade or cut candidate at some point this summer. 

--Antonio Gibson
--JaMycal Hasty
--Rhamondre Stevenson

The battle for the third running back spot behind Stevenson and Gibson will be an important one to monitor in the summer. Again, we're only going off of what we've seen and heard so far, and to this point Hasty has emerged as the leader of the players competing for that job. His ability as a pass catcher and special teams experience position him well for a roster spot.

However, that comes with the caveat that there haven't been any padded practices. Bigger, more physical backs like Kevin Harris and rookie UDFA Deshaun Fenwick - who are also in competition for the role, will have more of a chance to shine once contact is added to the picture. 

--Javon Baker
--Kendrick Bourne
--Demario Douglas
--K.J. Osborn
--Ja'Lynn Polk
--Jalen Reagor

Douglas, Polk, and Baker are all roster locks. Bourne will be as well assuming he's healthy for the start of the regular season - which Mayo suggested on Wednesday that he will be. Based on his contract, Osborn is also highly likely to make the team.

That means the battle at the wide receiver position is for the sixth spot - if they keep six receivers at all. The top contenders there are Reagor, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, and Kayshon Boutte. Reagor was the most involved of that group this spring, and also adds value as a kick returner. Right now, he should have the inside track on that job. However, the numbers could change if Bourne opens the season on PUP or Osborn ends up a surprise cut with a decent-sized cap hit.

--Hunter Henry
--Austin Hooper
--Jaheim Bell

The battle for the third tight end spot will be interesting when camp rolls around. Bell got off to a good start this spring and his versatility could land him a regular role in the Patriots' offense. However, Mitchell Wilcox was very involved throughout the spring, which could be a sign the team has something in store for him long-term. Given the current makeup of the room, adding a blocking tight end would make sense. That being said, they should be able to get him on the practice squad and initially elevate him as needed.

--T Calvin Anderson
--C David Andrews
--C/G Jake Andrews
--G Michael Jordan
--G/C Nick Leverett
--T Chuks Okorafor
--T/G Mike Onwenu
--G Layden Robinson
--G Sidy Sow
--G Caedan Wallace

*Cole Strange projects to open the season on PUP, meaning he won't count against the 53-man roster The Patriots still seem to be working on finding their 'best five' combination along the offensive line. Given the way evaluation that position goes with limited contact over the summer, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Patriots keep more players along the line as the battles continue into the regular season.

In addition to the battles for starting jobs, there are also players competing for roster spots. At tackle Calvin Anderson currently has the edge as the backup, ahead of Vederian Lowe and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. On the interior, Jake Andrews will battle it out with Atonio Mafi and UFA Charles Turner. Mafi did start getting reps at center this spring, which should help his case.

--DT Christian Barmore
--DT Daniel Ekuale
--DT Davon Godchaux
--DT Jeremiah Pharms
--DE Armon Watts
--DE Keion White
--DE Deatrich Wise

Could Trysten Hill or Sam Roberts make a push here? Certainly. But for now, this group is very deep and built to play the more "aggressive" style of defense new DC DeMarcus Covington has talked about. It's just a matter of whether or not the Patriots need more roster spots elsewhere, which could result in them having to leave off a player they like. 

--Ja'Whaun Bentley
--Anfernee Jennings
--Matthew Judon
--Raekwon McMillan
--Sione Takitaki
--Jahlani Tavai
--Joshua Uche

Seven may seem like a big number for linebackers, but this is a group with a very diverse skillset. The one name people may be surprised by is McMillan, but he played well in 2022 before missing all of last year with a knee injury. This spring, the coaching staff seemed to be giving him plenty of chances to earn a role, and he should be a factor in special teams. Meanwhile, Oshae Ximines ends up on the outside looking in after a strong spring. 

--Alex Austin
--Isaiah Bolden
--Christian Gonzalez
--Jonathan Jones
--Marcus Jones
--Marco Wilson
--Shaun Wade

Another very deep position on this Patriots defense. Gonzalez will start on the boundary and Jonathan Jones either opposite him or in the slot with Marcus Jones sticking as either the slot starter with Jones on the outside, or in a nickel role, but after that the questions begin. The Patriots have plenty of NFL-caliber corners, but can't keep them all. Austin, Bolden, and Wilson would all add another presence on the boundary, while Wade would provide depth at both spots. 

Still, those roles are all up for grabs this summer. Azizi Hearn had a strong spring, and rookies Marcellas Dial and Mikey Victor have the physical tools to make a push if given the opportunities to do so. 

--Kyle Dugger
-Jaylinn Hawkins
--Marte Mapu
--Jabrill Peppers

Hawkins is a player Patriots fans should start to get familiar with. Based on the opportunities he got this spring, it looks like the coaching staff plans on having him be a part of the team. He has the most experience at deep safety of any player on the roster, and has the best skillset to play back there too. He may not be a full-timer like Devin McCourty, but he could be an option for the Patriots to use in situations where they want more range over the top and/or want to be able to play Dugger and Peppers both in the box. 

--K TBD
--P Bryce Baringer
--LS Joe Cardona

Chad Ryland struggled this spring after a rough rookie season, but offseason signing Joey Slye wasn't much better. The Patriots may need to find another kicker to add to this competition (they could look to the handful of kickers succeeding in the NFL). It's very possible the Patriots' Week 1 kicker isn't on the roster right now. Meanwhile, Baringer and Cardona remain locks.

--Brenden Schooler

We'll have to see how the new coaching staff values pure special teams coverage players. Keeping one or two around - like Schooler - makes sense. But most of the players getting significant reps on special teams this spring also slot into offensive or defensive depth roles (ex. Jalen Reagor, Raekwon McMillan).

Last 3 on:

--CB Marco Wilson
--WR Jalen Reagor
--TE Jaheim Bell

Last 3 off:

--QB Joe Milton
--WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
--IOL Atonio Mafi

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.