Beyond the Washington prep work, here are some observations from Day 11 of training camp.
*Gonzalez, Dial, Chaisson, Tyler Davis, Caedan Wallace, Jahlani Tavai, Sidy Sow, Kendrick Bourne and Jaquelin Roy were not spotted at practice. Carlton Davis was in uniform, as he has been for every walkthrough, and took some reps at his cornerback spot. Tavai was also seen in uniform but did not take part in any reps.
*Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was on the field for practice after leaving Monday’s practice due to dehydration.
*The addition of Diggs to the lineup has given the offense a potential top option in the passing game. But as talented and productive as the wideout has been, his days of being an elite gamebreaker are dwindling. After averaging 13.2 yards per catch in Buffalo in 2022, that number has dropped the last two seasons – 11.1 in 2023 and 10.6 in an injury-shortened campaign in Houston last year.
That doesn’t mean the offense won’t have a playmaker to lean on, however. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has electric speed and shown the hands to be a valuable threat in the passing game. Josh McDaniels likes to use his backs as weapons in the passing game, and Henderson has a great reputation as a pass protector as well.
On Monday, he caught all four of his targets in team periods including a 25-yard touchdown from Maye on a wheel route. He’s actually been open downfield frequently, giving Spillane and Elliss trouble in coverage, but the quarterbacks haven’t been able to consistently make the connections. He also has been effective on toss sweeps near the goal line, using his speed to outrace defenders to the pylon.
Henderson looks like he will be a big part of the offense under McDaniels’ tutelage.
*Kyle Dugger, Truman Jones, Elliss, Peppers, Boutte and Onwenu were among those who spoke with the media after practice.
*The Patriots will welcome the Washington Commanders to town for a joint practice on Wednesday ahead of the teams’ preseason opener Friday night. The practice is open to the public and set to begin at 10:15 a.m. with gates opening at 9:15 a.m.