With 14 training camp practices in the rearview mirror, it is officially time for game action. Following their joint practice on Tuesday, the New England Patriots will take on the Indianapolis Colts in their preseason opener Thursday night.
According to head coach Mike Vrabel, quarterback Drake Maye will not appear in the game. The expectation is then for many of the Patriots usual regulars to remain on the sideline as well.
As for who we will be watching closely Thursday night at Gillette Stadium, here are eight players on our radar.
Running back: Terrell Jennings and Co.
Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson remain the top duo in the backfield. Despite a late start to the summer after opening camp on the NFI list, Terrell Jennings has largely repped as the third back since returning last week. The Patriots are a fan of Jennings’ physical running style while he has also assumed a role on the top kick return duo in recent practices — a potential key factor in the RB3 battle.
Second-year back Lan Larison, who impressed in his preseason debut last year before suffering a season-ending foot injury, remains in the mix with Jennings and has more upside as a pass catcher. Rookie Jam Miller will likely see plenty of work as well while newly signed Hassan Haskins rounds out the depth chart.
Wide receiver: Kyle Williams
To no fault of his own, Kyle Williams has remained pushed down a talented wide receiver depth chart full of veterans this summer. Still, the coaching staff has plenty of belief in Williams, who was named an offseason award winner.
“I really, really know that Kyle is going to help us. His speed is going to help us,” Mike Vrabel said recently. “I know that he is going to be a large part of what we’re going to do, and those opportunities will continue to come. His release skills, his speed, his vertical speed, those are all things that we have to continue to take advantage of as we progress.”
While Williams remains working primarily with the second-team offense, he has impressed on the practice fields showcasing that release package and deep speed — where he has hauled in a long reception in each of the last two practices. A strong preseason performance could then result in him pushing for more time with Maye ahead of the regular season.
Tight end: Eli Raridon
The third-round rookie has been one of the more positive surprises of camps to date. Raridon has been the top tight end behind Hunter Henry and has often shared the field with the veteran in 12 personnel looks with Maye under center.
“He is a big dude, first off, that can run. I mean, that’s pretty cool, and he is smart,” Maye said.
Raridon’s frame has made him a QB-friendly target for Maye and Tommy DeVito, while his athleticism is seen as he threatens defense up the seam or running away from defenders across the middle. That skillset has made Raridon a weapon in New England’s play-action passing game, but the rookie’s work in the run game will be something to monitor Thursday night, as his ability to hold up there will help determine how many opportunities he gets as a pass catcher.
Offensive line: Caleb Lomu and the depth options
New England’s starting offensive line is locked in from left-to-right and it would be a surprise to see any of the group get extensive action — or any at all — in the preseason opener. That shifts the focus to first-round pick Caleb Lomu, who has ridden the rollercoaster in recent weeks while playing both tackle spots.
Next to Lomu and versatile backup Ben Brown, the Patriots depth along the offensive line remains a question. At tackle, second-year pro Marcus Bryant appears to be competing with Lomu for the top swing tackle spot. On the interior, Andrew Rupcich has largely held a spot next to Brown while former tackle James Hudson has also seen time at guard in recent weeks as the Patriots continue to search for depth along the interior.
Edge rusher: Gabe Jacas and the rookies
Second-round pick Gabe Jacas looks the part of a NFL pass rusher. His size stands out on the practice field as well as his explosiveness and ability to then convert speed-to-power. Jacas has still primarily worked in with the second-unit after a late start to training camp and should get plenty of opportunities to get after the Colts’ quarterbacks Thursday night.
In addition to Jacas, fellow rookies Quintayvious Hutchins and Xavier Holmes have flashed at times this summer. Hutchins has the pure speed off the edge that New England’s edge group lacks while also being a special teams standout at Boston College. Holmes has sparingly worked with the first-team defense and plays with an aggressive style that caught the coaches eye during a rookie tryout. Second-year pro Bradyn Swinson also finds himself in this group as the Patriots could use one young pass rusher to emerge.
Linebacker: Khalil Jacobs
Chad Muma has separated himself as the third linebacker behind Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss. Undrafted free agent Khalil Jacobs has then positioned himself to potentially be the fourth option in that rotation. Jacobs has been around the ball in the run and pass game as he plays faster than his 4.77-second 40-yard dash speed, while also working in on top special teams units.
“He loves just kind of when you put the ball down to play,” Vrabel said. “When you get to the team periods, you kind of notice his play speed, and I think that’s a great thing to say.”
Cornerback: The depth options
Missing Carlton Davis for most of the summer, New England’s depth cornerbacks have been tested throughout training camp. That was especially true in Tuesday’s joint practice, with Christian Gonzalez and Charles Woods also sidelined.
The Patriots opened with Kindle Vildor as their top outside cornerback, as the veteran has put together a positive stretch of practices over the last week. Young options remain in the mix behind him, including fifth-round rookie Karon Prunty, who has intriguing physical tools and has made a handful of plays on the football during training camp. Kobee Minor and Channing Canada have also worked with the first team at times, while Marcellas Dial will look to build momentum.