FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones is back. Not that he really left, but let’s explain.
Jones missed six games last season with a hip injury. In February, he was spotted at Gillette Stadium walking with the aid of crutches. And throughout the spring, he was kept off the field as he worked his way back to full health.
So when training camp began Thursday, it was notable that he was fully cleared to participate.
Still left to be determined, however, was whether Jones experienced any residual effects from rehabilitation and I think the answer was apparent after watching during one repetition in one-on-one drills in Sunday’s practice.
Lined up as a three-technique, over the outside shoulder of left guard Josh Kline, he exploded at the snap and recorded a decisive victory. That led me to write the following in my notebook: “No noticeable issues with health of No. 95.”
After practice, I asked Kline about the repetition in which Jones beat him with a quick move by taking advantage of a technique error in which Kline dipped his head, compromising his position and allowing Jones to get into his shoulder.
“As a guy that’s longer [6-foot-5, 265 pounds], obviously he’s going to use his length against a guy like me that’s shorter [6-foot-3, 300]. So I have to use my leverage against him,” Kline explained. “He had a good rep.”
It wasn’t all perfect for Jones, who was later stopped by undrafted interior lineman David Andrews, but I had him with two other solid reps in one-on-one drills, against tackles Nate Solder and Jordan Devey.
Overall, Jones looks to be healthy and flashing some of the desired explosion following an offseason filled with rehabilitation.
A few other observations from practice:
Second-year running back Tyler Gaffney was not present, as LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray shared work as the top “big backs.” The reason for Gaffney’s absence was not known, but if it’s an extended absence, that could create some separation at a position on the roster where there is expected to be a competition for spots. Something we’ll keep an eye on.
With three open roster spots, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Patriots take a look at some offensive tackles. Reserve left tackle Kevin Hughes, who appeared to hurt his left shoulder Saturday, wasn’t present for Sunday's practice. So the club moved guard Jordan Devey out to Hughes’ left tackle spot.
One day after the defense had three goal-line stops in four plays, the offense turned the tables. After an incomplete pass from Tom Brady to Scott Chandler, the offense ran it in for a score on three straight plays, which had Brady chirping in the direction of the defense.
Veteran free-agent cornerback Tarell Brown showed up with a few pass breakups in one-on-one and team drills, and also took some punt returns behind Danny Amendola.
Linebacker Jonathan Freeny, the former Dolphin whose work on special teams will likely be the key to him earning a roster spot, recovered a blocked punt and ran it into the end zone for a score.
Center Bryan Stork was a standout in one-on-one drills, holding his ground against defensive tackle Antonio Johnson twice and first-round pick Malcom Brown once. He also looked like a force at the goal line.
Third-year defensive tackle Joe Vellano left practice early, an injury situation to monitor.
Players who stopped in the media area for interviews included receivers Aaron Dobson (nice catch on a long bomb) and Brandon Gibson; cornerbacks Bradley Fletcher and Malcolm Butler; tight end Rob Gronkowski; long snapper Joe Cardona; defensive tackle Dominique Easley; left tackle Nate Solder; and linebackers Jamie Collins and Eric Martin, among others.
