Brady led a group of at least 20 players — and maybe even twice that amount — who showed up Tuesday to Gillette. The league's work day was announced to start at 10 a.m., but since the NFL is no longer in lockout mode, players were permitted inside the facility.
They took physicals and picked up some paperwork, as they prepared themselves for Wednesday's conditioning test. They'll hold their first official training camp practice at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, and they'll have a second practice at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. The Patriots will have the same schedule Friday.
"Everybody was happy [Tuesday morning]," Patriots safety Patrick Chung said. "I feel like I haven't seen my brothers in a while. It's hard not to be able to communicate with the guys you're playing with, and the guys who are taking care of your body and the guys that are teaching you the playbook. It's hard not to have that communication. Now it's back. It's like we never missed a beat."
Brady, Chung, offensive lineman Dan Connolly, tight end Rob Gronkowski, wide receiver Deion Branch, running back Danny Woodhead, wide receiver Julian Edelman, wide receiver Wes Welker, quarterback Brian Hoyer, linebacker Dane Fletcher, wide receiver Taylor Price, wide receiver Darnell Jenkins, cornerback Thad Turner, guard Ryan Wendell, safety Josh Barrett, quarterback Jonathan Crompton and offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger are the confirmed players at the facility.
