FOXBORO, Mass. — Chris Hogan appeared good as new Friday after missing three consecutive training camp practices with a reported shoulder injury.
The New England Patriots wide receiver caught a team-high eight passes from quarterback Tom Brady duringĀ a spirited intrasquad scrimmage to help his team score a 17-9 win over a team led by Jimmy Garoppolo.
āItās good to get out hereĀ and get put in a scrimmage situation,” Hogan said. “Actual series, moving the ball and all that kind of stuff. But Iāve been working pretty hard, just staying in the playbook and making sure — a big thing is communication — so Iām always just kind of talking to these guys ā¦ whoeverās our quarterback, making sure Iām on the same page with them. Always, because thatās a big part of that receiver-quarterback connection.”
HoganĀ was Brady’s favorite target Friday — unsurprising given that wideouts Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola both did not participate (and have yet to this summer) and tight end Rob Gronkowski played for Team Garoppolo.
The 27-year-old,Ā who signed with the Patriots as a free agentĀ in March after threeĀ seasons with the Buffalo Bills, also hauled in one of Brady’s two touchdown passes on the day and displayed the best hands of any Patriots pass-catcher.
āFor me, itās a process,” Hogan said. “Itās every single day of being able to let these guys know that they can hold me accountable to know this offense, know where Iām supposed to be and that I can get open and catch the ball. Thatās obviously the biggest thing playing receiver.
“(Friday) was good. I felt good out there (Friday), and I was able to make some plays. I was on the same page with Tom (on Friday), which was great.”
Hogan did wear a red non-contact jersey during the scrimmage, however, and afterward said he’s “getting back day by day.” He then added he feltĀ “great” and “definitely” plans to be a full participant when the Patriots hold their first of two joint practices with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.
Thumbnail photo viaĀ Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports Images