Patriots Pass-Catcher Shows Out During Busy Day Vs. Eagles

FOXBORO, Mass. — Austin Hooper looked like Jacoby Brissett’s most-trusted target when the New England Patriots hosted the Philadelphia Eagles in a joint practice Tuesday at Gillette Stadium.

Hooper benefitted from the absence of tight end Hunter Henry, who did not practice Monday or Tuesday after he suffered an apparent injury Sunday. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said he is not worried about Henry’s being an extended absence.

“Great opportunity for those guys, including myself, to get more of these reps,” Hooper said after practice. “They’re so valuable so grateful for every one of them.”

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Hooper started the day with three wins in three 1-on-1 reps. He first beat Eagles safety Andre Sam on an in-breaking route and followed it up as he won on a pair of curl routes, the first of which came against outside linebacker Nolan Smith.

“They’re a really good football team, that’s why (Jerod) Mayo brought them in here,” Hooper said. “To really be able to test in the 1-on-1s, 2-on-2s, see where everyone’s at is a real measuring stick.”

Hooper, who has seen a lot of time with the first-string offense, including in two tight-end sets with Henry, then caught a team-high seven passes from Brissett in competitive periods.

Facing third-and goal during an 11-on-11 period, Hopper dashed left to right and caught a fastball from Brissett for a touchdown. It made up for Hooper’s lone blemish on the day as he had a ball ripped out of his arms in the end zone, which led to an interception by Philadelphia linebacker Zack Baun.

Hooper made an impressive leaping grab later in 11-on-11s. He was Brissett’s third read on the play, and got lost by the Eagles defense on the sideline. Brissett went to Hooper to kick off the final 11-on-11 period, the tight end first catching a slant before the next play was for an incompletion down the sideline after he failed to get his second foot in.

“Definitely some stuff to clean up, but there is some good stuff in there, too,” Hooper said.

The Patriots seem to have a competition for their third tight end spot with Mitchell Wilcox, LaMichael Pettway and surging rookie Jaheim Bell. But New England should feel comfortable with veterans like Henry and Hooper headlining the group.