Patriots training camp, Day 1: Welcome back
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Each day of training camp, the Globe will get you set up with what you need to know. Here's today's rundown:
Patriots training camp schedule for Wednesday, July 23
Wednesday's practice is open to fans, with access beginning at 9:15 a.m. If you'll be one of the many in attendance at Gillette, here are some tips:
▪ Pick a low vantage point for individual drills, a high one for team drills.
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▪ Memorize the roster and jersey numbers cold.
▪ Take note of the pairings and combinations.
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▪ Grade the one-on-one battles, and be descriptive.
▪ Take note of the game situations.
▪ Listen to what the coaches are telling the players.
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Vrabel will be speaking to the media at 9:30 a.m. — stay tuned for updates at bostonglobe.com — then practice will begin at 10:15 a.m.
The media also will hear from a handful of players after practice.
What to know for Wednesday
▪ Stefon Diggs is a go. The wide receiver has been cleared to return from the ACL tear he suffered nine months ago. The news is a positive development for both the offense and the 31-year-old Diggs, who was a limited participant for voluntary spring practices. 'I know that everybody heals differently, especially from that type of injury, but I would say it's a testament to how hard he worked,' Vrabel said Tuesday.
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▪ Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who was absent from spring workouts because of an undisclosed health issue, is back in the building. 'Big T is here, ready to go,' said Vrabel. 'He's been out on the field with us the last couple of days. Players were excited to see him. I was excited to see him. We'll move forward.'
▪ The team placed tight end Austin Hooper, wide receiver Mack Hollins, tackle Vederian Lowe, and linebacker Jahlani Tavai on the PUP list. According to Vrabel, Tavai, who suffered a calf injury this spring, should practice Wednesday. The other three will return 'sometime after that,' he said.
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▪ The Patriots also placed cornerback Carlton Davis, safety Josh Minkins, and wide receiver Jeremiah Webb on the non-football injury (NFI) list. Davis and Webb should return Wednesday, Vrabel said, while Minkins needs 'a few more days.' Players are eligible to come off PUP and NFI at any time.
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▪ Call them the 'Pawtriots': The Patriots are hosting a 'Pet Adoption Day' on Wednesday, with three animal shelters onsite for fans to meet and possibly adopt a dog. Players will walk the dogs onto the practice fields and some families who were preselected will get to meet their new friend at camp. The dog days of summer are truly upon us!
Katie McInerney can be reached at
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