Highlights from training camp.
New England Patriots' Brandon Spikes (55) reacts to a play in scrimmage during NFL football training camp in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, July 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)FOXBOROUGH -- Sunday's training camp practice was full of good news for the Patriots.
Along with the return of Logan Mankins, the team also got linebacker Brandon Spikes and defensive lineman Ron Brace back on the field after both missed Thursday's preseason game. The session also saw Deion Branch return to full action after being limited last week.
However, the bad news-- and there's always bad news -- was that tight end Rob Gronkowski did not participate in the session for undisclosed reasons. We'll keep you updated if we learn anything new.
Here are some other notes and highlights from Sunday's session:
THE DAY: Players worked out in shorts and shells in a pretty low-key session. You could certainly feel the change of pace after having the Saints in town last week.
DIDN'T PRACTICE: Safeties James Ihedigbo and Malcolm Williams; fullback Spencer Larsen; offensive linemen Sebastian Vollmer, Matt Kopa, Kyle Hix and Markuz Zusevics; fullback Spencer Larsen; linebackers Dane Fletcher and Tracy White; cornerback Alfonzo Dennard; tight ends Gronkowski, Daniel Fells and Visanthe Shiancoe; running back Eric Kettani; defensive linemen Myron Pryor, Gerard Warren and Jonathan Fanene; and wide receiver Britt Davis.
PLAY OF THE DAY: This may soon just become the Aaron Hernandez Highlight of the Day. The tight end continues to have an impressive camp and the best moment came when he juked cornerback Ras-I Dowling off the line and made him drop to the ground. Hernandez had about 10 yards of space after quick juke and was off to the races.
HIGHTOWER POWER: Rookie linebacker Dont'a Hightower came up big with a pair of interceptions. The second one was quite impressive as he leaped in the air to snag a Brian Hoyer pass. The first came off a dropped pass by running back Stevan Ridley.
McCOURTY SHOWS UP: Cornerback Devin McCourty also showed up big and came up with a big interception during one-on-one drills. The Patriots will need him to keep having such moments if they hope to improve this season.
TOMORROW: The Patriots practice from 1:30 until 4 p.m. The practice is free and open to the public.