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New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Here’s when to expect the Patriots to strap on full pads at training camp

Author Matt Dolloff
Jul 24, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (7), wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (80), wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (11), wide receiver JaQuae Jackson (82), wide receiver Javon Baker (6), and wide receiver Kawaan Baker (86) work on drills during Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

FOXBORO — It’s officially “football season” in New England. But the REAL football has yet to begin.

All eyes are on the Patriots this week, as they kick off 2024 training camp in Foxboro, but as is common in the NFL, they’re starting things off relatively light. Most early practices take place in “shells,” with full pads to go on at a later date. The full pads are when we’ll really start to see competitive drills and reps in practice, with hitting and live tackling. Now, we know when to expect that to commence.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots are expected to hold their first fully padded practice of camp next Monday, July 29. Head coach Jerod Mayo said on Wednesday to expect a period of seven days before they put on full pads, which caused a slight confusion. Everyone on the roster reported for camp on Tuesday, making next Monday the seventh day since veterans showed up. Reiss’ report provides a much-appreciated clarification.

MORE: 10 Players that stood out on day 1 of 2024 Patriots training camp

Despite the lack of full pads, the Patriots’ first practice of camp was reasonably competitive. It featured several team drill sessions in both 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 settings. Linemen and tight ends wore “Guardian Cap” helmets for an extra layer of protection, anyway, but those guys will be more excited than anyone to actually wear pads and start hitting.

Rhamondre Stevenson and Deshaun Fenwick at Patriots training camp
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) works with running back Deshaun Fenwick (35) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)

Fully padded practices will also be a welcome sight for reporters, especially those keeping a close eye on the Patriots’ offensive line. That’s when we’ll get the best idea yet of how well they are blocking up front for the Pats’ reformed quarterback room, and also how they execute the team’s new-look running game.

For now, the Patriots are scheduled to hold three more practices before the pads go on for the first time. We’ll have full coverage of the proceedings here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.

Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.

NEXT- Patriots training camp notebook: Right to competitive reps on Day 1

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