FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots had their annual rookie hazing session Tuesday. With quarterback Tom Brady spraying them with a hose, the newbies were forced to dive through the wet grass to recover a football at the far end of the practice field before the session got under way.
The 14th practice of camp was held in shorts and shells and spanned about two and a half hours. It was their first practice in shorts and shells since last Wednesday. Their last four sessions were in full pads.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski missed his first practice of camp after leaving midway through Monday's session with an apparent injury. Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth (knee, conditioning) and defensive lineman Mike Wright missed their fourth consecutive practices. Offensive lineman Ryan Wendell missed his seventh straight practice, and running back Eric Kettani was out for the 10th day in a row.
Wide receiver Brandon Tate (hamstring), cornerback Ras-I Dowling (hamstring), running back Shane Vereen (hamstring), linebacker Brandon Spikes (ankle), safety James Sanders (hamstring), offensive lineman Dan Connolly (elbow), running back Kevin Faulk, safety Ross Ventrone, safety Josh Barrett, offensive lineman Marcus Cannon, defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick, left tackle Matt Light, defensive lineman Shaun Ellis and offensive lineman Chris Morris did not participate in practice but watched from the sideline.
Spikes was absent entirely for the last three sessions, so his presence Tuesday should be considered a good sign.
Rookie running back Stevan Ridley was icing his left ankle midway through practice but did not miss much time.
