Free-agent addition JuJu Smith-Schuster was conspicuous in his absence Wednesday when the New England Patriots finally took the field for a spring practice in front of the media.

The former Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was among 11 players not spotted during Wednesday’s OTAs session. Smith-Schuster has been around this spring, however.

Worth noting: JuJu Smith-Schuster and Christian Gonzalez weren't at practice today, but both appeared in team-released photos from last week's OTAs. So, both have been on the field this spring. https://t.co/Cb9r7HEy4c pic.twitter.com/pGUGkxqVLs

— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) May 31, 2023

And quarterback Mac Jones has formed a fast bond with one of his newest veteran targets.

“Yeah, I think JuJu’s done a great job, also from a leadership standpoint,” Jones said Wednesday. “Coming in, that’s someone who adds veteran leadership from different places. He just came off of a Super Bowl team, so what a great value to our offense. Obviously, when he gets on the field, that’s going to be great because he has the experience and he loves talking about football. He’s just a football nerd, I guess, kind of like me. We kind of hit it off in that regard. He’s an awesome guy, and I’m looking forward to working with all those guys in that room. I think there’s a lot of potential there.”

With Smith-Schuster out, wide receivers DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne and tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki were among Jones’ top targets Wednesday. Rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas also made a splash in his first practice in front of reporters.

Smith-Schuster replaces departed free-agent wideout Jakobi Meyers. He has big shoes to fill. Meyers was New England’s leading receiver for three straight seasons.

Featured image Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports