FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots took the field for the first time this season in pads, with many players describing this as "real football."

However, there were some injury scares during Monday's session. 

Matthew Judon, Trent Brown, and Rhamondre Stevenson spent most of the practice away from the team, instead doing conditioning. 

Cole Strange went down after injuring what appeared to be his left knee during a 1-on-1 blocking drill against Lawrence Guy. Strange grabbed his knee after the play and was slow to get up, eventually limping over to the medical area. However, he got up off the table and was seen moving around, doing some light jogging, skipping, and shuffling. 

He returned to the field alongside his teammates, but did not come back in for another drill. 

Defensive back Brad Hawkins also had a scare, having to be helped off the field by the trainers. He did not go back to the medical area, and instead received treatment on the side. And he was right back in the mix shortly after, so luckily this one wasn't too bad. 

Scotty Washington and Chasen Hines also were seen over at the medical area. 

Here’s what else I saw from Monday's training camp session:

– After Strange went to the medical area, rookie Antonio Mafi took his place during the 11-on-11 drills. 

– Undrafted rookie quarterback Mailk Cunningham is FAST. He showed his speed during a 7-on-7 period, catching a pass from Mac Jones. Cunningham also took some snaps during a 4-man drill. 

– Patriots need for more running back depth was apparent. While they have Rhamondre Stevenson, who is coming off a break out season, he was doing some conditioning on Monday. Ty Montgomery has been absent from training camp after getting injured, leaving just Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris. 

– Harris appeared to be RB1, with Stevenson not taking part in team drills 

– The Patriots practiced kick off returns a few times during practice, but one player struggled. Myles Bryant was unable to control two of the kick offs, ultimately regaining control. 

– Almost Catch of the Day: Trace McSorely threw to Kayshon Boutte who was running along the sideline. Boutte made a diving catch, attempting to get two feet in bounds, but it appeared the ball was overthrown. Still an impressive catch though. 

– Kendrick Bourne recorded his first reception of training camp in competitive team drills, hauling in a touchdown pass from Mac Jones. 

– The connection between Mac Jones and JuJu Smith-Schuster is on full display, with the new Patriots receiver catching four of Mac Jones' eight completions.

– Quarterback Stats 

Mac Jones: 8-for-10

Bailey Zappe: 4-for-8

Trace McSorely: 2-for-6

– Attendance

New Absences:

LB Terez Hall 

Still Absent:

OL Jake Andrews

RB/WR Ty Montgomery

Mike Onwenu (PUP)

Calvin Anderson (NFI)

Cody Davis (PUP) 

Returned:

WR Kayshon Boutte

Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports