The New England Patriots held their first open practice for voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, and it represented the first real taste of football with both rookies and veterans taking the field for the first time together.
There were several major absences, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Diggs is still working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered last season, while Stevenson is currently away from the team due to personal tragedies with the passing of his father and close friend.
The Patriots worked in helmets and shorts in a practice that included competitive 11-on-11s.