Patriots to watch during preseason opener

FOXBORO — The Patriots open their preseason slate on Thursday night time, although Mac Jones and many of the group’s starters aren’t anticipated to play. However that simply opens the door for a number of different gamers to steal the highlight at Gillette Stadium.

It could have been good to see Jones and the first-team offense go towards some New York Giants starters, however Invoice Belichick has two units of joint practices within the close to future to get a greater really feel of the place his group is at. Sitting starters on Thursday will give him, the remainder of the teaching employees (and naturally, the followers) an prolonged take a look at another actually intriguing gamers on the roster.

Bailey Zappe

Brian Hoyer will most likely get the beginning and see a good quantity of reps, however rookie Bailey Zappe ought to get essentially the most enjoying time at QB. There’s lots of curiosity within the fourth-round choose after he threw for almost 6,000 and 62 touchdowns at Western Kentucky final yr.

Tyquan Thornton

The rookie receiver has been the discuss of camp due to his absurd pace within the passing recreation. He is been leaving the secondary within the mud, and Thursday night time we should always be capable to see what he can do towards an precise NFL opponent.

He’ll be carrying a well-recognized quantity too, with the Pats assigning him the No. 11 jersey on Thursday. These are some massive sneakers to fill.

Cole Unusual

The primary-round choose is anticipated to be a starter, so he could not see any motion. However it’d be good to see if he has what it takes within the trenches towards an NFL opponent.

Pierre Sturdy, Kevin Harris

ROOKIEMANIA! However with James White retiring on Thursday, the Patriots are formally searching for a brand new pass-catching again. Versatile veteran Ty Montgomery might slide into that position, however rookies Pierre Sturdy (50 receptions over his profession at South Dakota State) and Kevin Harris (35 receptions at South Carolina) might get an opportunity to win the job.

Marcus Jones

Sure, the rookie pattern continues. Jones has really gotten some run with the starters within the secondary as a slot nook, and might be in line for an actual position on protection in Yr 1. He is additionally a fairly electrical punt returner, so hopefully the protection can drive a number of punts this night so we are able to see Jones do his factor. 

LaBryan Ray

OK, one ultimate rookie. Ray is an undrafted defensive lineman out of Alabama who’s making a robust push to make the group. He is been a handful for blockers at camp, and may get loads of run towards the Giants.

Tre Nixon

A seventh-round choose final yr, Nixon has an uphill battle in a crowded broad receiver room. However he is been a strong pass-catcher at camp and has additionally seen time within the return recreation this summer time.

Anfernee Jennings

A 3rd-round choose in 2020 who noticed loads of enjoying time that season, Jennings missed all of 2021 with an harm. He is been a beast to begin camp, and has made steps towards changing into a disruptive drive at linebacker. He might additionally see a while on the sting.

Matt Patricia and Joe Choose

We’ll have some eyes on the sideline too — or up within the sales space, relying on who’s the place. However we’ll all clearly be watching to see which coach will get to deal with the offensive play-calling duties on Thursday night time.

Tune in to Thursday’s Patriots-Giants preseason recreation on WBZ-TV — the flagship station of the New England Patriots! Pregame protection begins at 6:30pm with Patriots GameDay, kickoff is ready for simply after 7pm, and after the sport keep tuned to Patriots fifth Quarter!