Patriots Training Camp Takeaways: Davon Godchaux does not participate on Day 2 amid contract discussions and more

FOXBOROUGH, Mass – Day 2 of Training Camp has ended, and it is definitely clear that the players are easing back into football.  The team is still doing their individual drills, followed by a 7-on-7 period and an 11-on-11 period, but they are not going full speed.  Yet, there was still plenty to see, so let's […]

Sophie Weller NFL Trending News Writer
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Nov 6, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon (9) talks with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (92) during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium.
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass – Day 2 of Training Camp has ended, and it is definitely clear that the players are easing back into football. 

The team is still doing their individual drills, followed by a 7-on-7 period and an 11-on-11 period, but they are not going full speed. 

Yet, there was still plenty to see, so let's get into the takeaways from the second day of Patriots Training Camp

1.  DT Davon Godchaux sits on the sidelines

Despite taking part in the first day of Training Camp, Davon Godchaux was the only player who was missing from action on Thursday. However, he was at Gillette Stadium, just not on the field. 

And considering his contract status, it makes for a very interesting observation. 

Godchaux and Judon are both heading into the final years of their deals and have not been quiet about their desire for a new contract. The team has yet to make them an offer they are willing to accept. 

So the big question is did he sit out due to the contract discussions or was there something else going on? 

2.  Is Joe Milton now ahead of Bailey Zappe on the depth chart? 

The biggest development of the day was Joe Milton taking reps directly behind Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye, instead of Zappe. 

During the spring and on the first day of camp, the order was Brissett, Maye, Zappe, and then Milton. 

But Thursday saw a switch, with Milton going third. 

Brissett and Maye have a roster spot locked down, so it's really Milton and Zappe battling it out for that final spot. That's considering the team only wants to carry three quarterbacks rather than four. 

So this could mean Milton has a leg up. But it's also too early to know if this means anything. 

3. A new face at right tackle

On Wednesday, it was Calvin Anderson who got the reps at right tackle with the presumed starting offensive line. 

Yet, there was a change on Day 2. This time is it was Vederian Lowe alongside the others. Rookie Caedan Wallace, who the Patriots selected in the third round, also got a few reps with the starting line. 

Starting Offensive Line for Day 2 
LT – Chukwuma Okorafor
RG – Sidy Sow
C – David Andrews
RG – Mike Onwenu
RT – Vederian Lowe

4. Robert Kraft and Matthew Judon chat

While it was very brief, the Patriots owner came out to catch a bit of practice, and he was seen chatting on the sidelines with star linebacker Matthew Judon. 

Judon is seeking a new contract from the team, but has made it clear he would like to stay in New England. 

And then after practice, Kraft chatted with head coach Jerod Mayo and directer of player personnel Eliot Wolf (per Doug Kyed). 

5. DeMario Douglas sits out of team drills again

While the second-year receiver was participating in individual drills, he sat to the side with his helmet off during the team periods. 

Following practice, ProFootball Network's Dakota Randall reported that he saw Douglas with tape on his left thumb/wrist. 

6. Marcus Jones, Christian Gonzalez show off their versatility

While Jones is listed on the roster as a cornerback, he is a very talented punt returner. And we've also seen him take some reps as a receiver. 

On Thursday, he did all of that, showing off his impressive versatility. That makes him even more valuable.

And he wasn't the only one. Christian Gonzalez was also videoed taking a rep with the receivers. 

7. Defensive wins

Marcus Jones and Jabrill Peppers both had some solid plays throughout practice.

Jones broke up a ball from Brissett intended for rookie receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, while Peppers had a pass breakup on a ball from Brissett to tight end Hunter Henry during 7s. 

8. Antonio Gibson makes an appearance 

Prior to the start of training camp, the Patriots placed Gibson on the non-football injury list (NFI), but Mayo told reporters that the running back will "be back out there relatively soon."

On Thursday, he came out onto the field in uniform, but was without a helmet. After the stretch period, he left the upper field signaling he was a limited participant. 

9. Quarterback Stats

11v11s
Brissett: 3/5
Maye: 4/6
Milton: 4/6
Zappe: 2/3

7v7s
Brissett: 5/6
Maye:6/6
Milton: 2/3
Zappe:  2/3

10. Danny Amendola spotted at practice

Two-time Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola made an appearance at practice on Thursday, and chatted it up with many of his former teammates. 

Danny Amendola hugs Troy Brown during Patriots Training Camp Day 2 - Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Danny Amendola hugs Troy Brown during Patriots Training Camp Day 2 – Thursday, July 25, 2024.Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports