Official Thursday Free Chat Thread

Good Morning r/Patriots

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**Free place to chat and a good place to discuss whatever you like with other sub users**

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# Key dates on the 2023 [NFL / Patriots calendar](https://www.patriots.com/news/key-dates-on-the-2023-nfl-patriots-calendar).

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# Undrafted Free Agent [Tracker](https://www.patspulpit.com/2023/4/29/23704883/nfl-draft-2023-undrafted-free-agents-tracker-patriots-signings-news-rumors-analysis).

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# New England Patriots News Link Catchup – [Opportunity knocks for Mack Wilson, Sr.; Behind OTA penalty](https://www.patspulpit.com/2023/5/26/23738500/new-england-patriots-links-news-5-26-23)

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* **Transactions:** Patriots [**sign TE Anthony Firkser**](https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-te-anthony-firkser-place-lb-raekwon-mcmillan-on-injured-reserve); Place LB Raekwon McMillan on Injured Reserve.
* **Alexandra Francisco** has the story of how 17 foster siblings and his faith [**inspired Ty Montgomery’s calling**](https://www.patriots.com/news/how-17-foster-siblings-and-his-faith-inspired-ty-montgomery-s-calling-off-the-fi) off the field. Through his foundation My 10 Percent, the Patriots WR is fundraising to send 11 former foster children on a transformative trip to Israel.
* **Building the 2023** [**New England Patriots**](https://www.patspulpit.com/)**:** [**2023 NFL Draft recap**](https://www.patriots.com/video/building-the-2023-new-england-patriots-2023-nfl-draft-recap). As the Patriots ramp up OTAs this spring, go behind the scenes, as Matt Groh helps wrap up the draft, and meet the Draft Class of 2023. (6 min. video)
* **Patriots Catch-22 podcast:** [**Evan Lazar and Alex Barth**](https://www.patriots.com/audio/patriots-catch-22-5-25-position-groups-we-are-looking-to-watch-at-otas) discuss which position groups they’re looking forward watching, the current roster as it sits, the OTA rules violation and more. (22 min.)
* **Patriots Unfiltered:** OTAs preview, [**setting expectations**](https://www.patriots.com/audio/patriots-unfiltered-5-25-otas-preview-setting-expectations-for-summer-practices-) for summer practices, state of the Patriots. (2 hours)
* **Luke Ervin** (SportsBlog) Five intriguing [**position battles**](https://www.sportsblog.com/patsbuzz/patriots-five-intriguing-position-battles-to-keep-an-eye-on-this-summer/) to keep an eye on this summer.
* **Mike D’Abate** (Patriots Country) Patriots place Raekwon McMillan on [**season-ending IR**](https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-linebacker-raekwon-mcmillan-injury-injured-reserve-ir-achilles-news-otas). The reserve LB suffered a partially-torn Achilles’ tendon during on OTA workout.
* **Mike Reiss** reports the Raekwon McMillan injury [**potentially elevates**](https://www.espn.com/espn/now/_/nowId/21-41120692-4) Mack Wilson Sr. and rookie Marte Mapu (third round, Sacramento State) up the depth chart behind starters Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai.
* **Clare Cooper** (PatsPropaganda) What is [**happening at the Tight End**](https://www.patspropaganda.com/what-is-happening-at-the-tight-end-end-of-the-patriots-roster/), end of the Patriots roster.
* **Harrison Reno** (Patriots Country) After the retirement of Devin McCourty, New England [**will turn to Kyle Dugger**](https://www.si.com/nfl/patriots/news/new-england-patriots-safety-kyle-dugger-underappreciated-devin-mccourty-replacement) to help lead the secondary in 2023.
* **Zack Cox**’s [**Patriots Mailbag:**](https://nesn.com/2023/05/patriots-mailbag-these-players-could-be-surprise-cut-candidates/?utm_source=patspulpit&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=patspulpit2022) These players could be surprise cut candidates.
* **Dakota Randall** [**Patriots Rumors:**](https://nesn.com/2023/05/patriots-rumors-how-players-feel-about-rough-2023-schedule/?utm_source=patspulpit&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=patspulpit2022) How players feel about rough 2023 schedule.
* **Dakota Randall** notes Jimmy Garoppolo [**underwent foot surgery**](https://nesn.com/2023/05/jimmy-garoppolo-dealing-with-foot-injury-will-he-play-patriots-game/?utm_source=patspulpit&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=patspulpit2022) and wonders if he will play in the Patriots-Raiders game. Brian Hoyer is the backup QB.
* **Tanner James** offers a [**way-too-early prediction**](https://atozsports.com/new-england/patriots-way-too-early-prediction-for-2024-free-agents/) for Patriots 2024 free agents.
* **Ian Logue** (PatsFans) [**Friday Patriots Notebook**](https://www.patsfans.com/patriots/blog/2023/05/26/friday-patriots-notebook-5-26-news-and-notes/) 5/26: News and Notes.
* **Phil Perry** gives us [**more insight**](https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/why-did-patriots-lose-two-otas-phil-perry-shares-insight-rules-violation) into the Pats’ rules violation. */Good info*.
* **Dakota Randall** isn’t sold on a player ratting on Joe Judge after hearing [**Phil Perry’s report**](https://nesn.com/2023/05/did-patriots-player-rat-on-joe-judge-new-report-adds-context/?utm_source=patspulpit&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=patspulpit2022) that offers more context on this bizarre situation. An NFLPA rep was there plus the ever-present possibility of the NFL over-punishing the Patriots based on their history of breaking the rules.
* **Mark Daniels** calls the Patriots OTA violation another [**embarrassing moment**](https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2023/05/patriots-ota-violation-another-embarrassing-moment-for-belichick-daniels.html) for Belichick.
* **Alex Barth** highlights a Greg Bedard report that offers more [**details about the OTA punishment**](https://985thesportshub.com/listicle/patriots-ota-punishment-goes-beyond-lost-practices/). *“It’s noted that Belichick, on April 19, forwarded to all coaches – Judge is named – the reminder about the four-hour window by the management council,”* Bedard adds. *“The Patriots told the NFL that the meetings/workshops weren’t mandatory and no attendance was taken,”* Mike Reiss writes, *“but the league ultimately ruled that all activity must begin and end within the constraints of the collectively bargained four-hour period.”*
* **Chris Mason** passes along the report that the Patriots OTA violation was caused by [**Joe Judge ‘workshops’**](https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2023/05/joe-judge-cause-of-patriots-ota-violation-bill-belichick-fined-50k-report.html).
* **Locked On Patriots podcast:** [**Mike D’Abate discusses the OTA**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=7eGAllMzUJg) controversy and welcomes Clare Cooper to discuss the Pats “Fab Four” offensive skill position players heading into 2023. (41 min.)