Other observations from Day 9 of Patriots training camp.
Coming off a season-ending injury last year, New England Patriots center Dan Koppen (67) works a blocking drill at practice during NFL football training camp in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012. FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots’ offensive line took some more hits Sunday as they continue to lose players at an alarming rate.
Two more fell Sunday, as Darrion Weems and Kyle Hix were both forced to leave the field early due to injury, potentially leaving New England with only eight healthy offensive linemen.
Weems, who was signed on July 27, had his leg worked on by the training staff before slowly making his way off the field. Hix came off the field late in the session and held his left arm as he watched the rest of the practice from the sidelines.
If the injuries persist, the situation could quickly become problematic for New England. The team is already dealing with injuries to Logan Mankins (knee) and Sebastian Vollmer (back), and is still waiting to find out if Brian Waters intends to come back for another year.
The Patriots also lost Robert Gallery to retirement on Saturday. It was a decision that coach Bill Belichick understood but deemed unfortunate.
“I’m sorry it didn’t work out this year but I understand it and both of us have moved on,” Belichick said. “He worked hard while he was here; did everything we asked him to do.”
Defensive lineman Kyle Love was poked in the eye and forced to leave the field, while defensive lineman and Springfield native Ron Brace did not participate. Wide receiver Deion Branch remains limited and did not participate in team activities.
Safety James Ihedigbo shed his red non-contact jersey for the first time on Sunday.
BEST CAMP MOMENT: The best moment of the day came during the one-on-ones between skill position players. Aaron Hernandez came up against rookie linebacker Dont'a Hightower, and the tight end did a quick double move to leave Hightower in the dust. With nothing else to do, the rookie fell to the turf and watched Hernandez dance by. It was almost like watching vintage Allen Iverson cross someone up back in the day.
BIG DAY: Running back Stevan Ridley continues to impress on a daily basis as he clamps tighter to the top spot on the depth chart. He showed good burst throughout the day and earned several stars for good plays in this reporter's notebook.
PASS RUSH: Defensive end Jermaine Cunningham continues to be a surprise performer in camp. Considered to be on the bubble, he showed up big again today and would have had an opportunity to record a sack on three different plays if given the opportunity to hit the quarterback.
WHERE'S SCOTT: Defensive end Trevor Scott forced people to take notice of him during the first few days of camp, but he's since disappeared. It's been several days since he's warranted a mention.
NICE PICK: Cornerback Ras-I Dowling put his length to use by recording an interception on a ball thrown to Hernandez in the end zone. He continues to show why he will be asset this season.