FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots were running low on linebackers in their final organized team activity open to the media.
Starting linebackers Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Jerod Mayo all were absent for practice. Top reserve Dane Fletcher and special-teamer Chris White also weren’t spotted during the nearly two-hour session. Collins was absent for the first OTA open to the media, then returned last week.
Wide receivers Zach D’Orazio, Matthew Slater and Brandon LaFell, offensive linemen Sebastian Vollmer and Ryan Wendell and defensive linemen Chris Jones, Chandler Jones, Sealver Siliga and Alan Branch also were absent.
Former Patriot Sammy Morris was working closely with the running backs in a coaching capacity.
Rookie safety Jordan Richards and rookie tight end A.J. Derby were present for their first OTA open to the media. Richards said his first practice was last Friday. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard also returned after being out last week.
Thumbnail photo via Chris Humphreys/USA TODAY Sports Images
