The New England Patriots returned to work on Saturday after a day off for a light workout without protective equipment.

The following happened during the 90-minute meeting.

participation

Absent: OL Nick Leverett*, LB Joshua Uche*, WR JaQuae Jackson*, DL Christian Barmore, WR Kendrick Bourne (PUP), G Cole Strange (PUP), LB Sione Takitaki (PUP)

Limited: CB Shaun Wade

Non-participants: OT Calvin Anderson*, LB Oshane Ximines*, LB/S Marte Mapu

Injured: TE Austin Hooper

*New addition

After the second preseason game, New England was again sidelined: Leverett, Uche and Jackson were missing, while Anderson and Ximines watched from the sidelines.

During practice, Austin Hooper hobbled with head coach Jim Whalen to the practice area before leaving. The Patriots were already thin at the tight end position with Hunter Henry out with an injury that Jerod Mayo said was not permanent.

Findings

Late snapshots for Maye: Throughout Saturday’s session, Jacoby Brissett remained New England’s best quarterback, but during a late pass that saw the offense split two fields, Drake Maye took snaps from David Andrews and the starting offensive line for the first time this summer.

Although practice was slower, Maye had some flashes throughout the day – the best of which was a go-ball down the right sideline that he dropped into the basket to Kevin Harris while Christian Elliss was tight in coverage. Maye also had a strong finish to KJ Osborn on a corner and found Ja’Lynn Polk with a slant to block a blitz.

O-Line Reorganization: New England’s best offensive line remained intact Saturday, with Vederian Lowe and Chuks Okorafor manning the top two tackle positions. However, throughout the day, the team rotated linemen back and forth between the top two units. This included Mike Onwenu returning to right tackle, Chuks Okorafor at left tackle and rookies Caedan Wallace and Layden Robinson in the top unit.

After practice, Onwenu explained that this was the plan today, with some linemen (Leverett, Anderson) missing as they prepare for eventualities.

Jones’s Return: Jerod Mayo shared Friday morning that Jonathan and Marcus Jones were close to returning to action after not participating for the past few weeks. That came Saturday as it was a busier day for the Joneses, who participated in team drills on a limited basis as they begin training again.

Other notes:

• Joe Milton received the only 11-on-11 period that didn’t go to Brissett or Maye, and his only pass was intercepted by AJ Thomas – a miscue where he tried to force a throw to Ja’Lynn Polk over the middle.
• Speaking of Polk: The rookie wideout was used more often in the top offense.
• After Hooper left practice, Mitchell Wilcox served as the top tight end, along with La’Michael Pettway, who assisted him on 12 personal looks.
• Liam Fornadel served as the best backup center since Nick Leverett was absent from practice.

The Patriots will be back on the practice field at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The meeting is not public but will be open to the media. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf will also address the media before practice at 10:30 a.m.