Wynn making progress on offensive line
FOXBORO — Exactly one year ago, Isaiah Wynn was gearing up for what would be his first action as an NFL player.
For reasons unknown, Wynn sat in the Patriots’ first preseason game of 2018. But he was part of the plan in the second, an Aug. 16 matchup with the Eagles.
Wynn’s debut didn’t last long, however. He limped off the field in the first quarter, and it was later revealed that Wynn had suffered a torn Achilles, one of the most devastating injuries in sports.
Nearly a full year removed from the injury, Wynn is beginning to return to full strength. Yesterday, the second-year tackle participated in competitive drills for the first time all summer. Wynn took two reps during a 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 period early in the practice. He and Ted Karras teamed to defeat rookies Chase Winovich and Byron Cowart in the 2-on-2 rep.
As the Pats transitioned to full 11-on-11 drills, Wynn shared time with Dan Skipper at left tackle. Wynn took all the reps in Tom Brady‘s final period of the afternoon, a hurry-up drill.
“I’m back out here, so that’s the biggest thing,” Wynn said afterward.
Wynn admitted he’s been “anxious” to return to full participation in practice. But he disputed the idea that he has to “knock off the rust” after sitting out for a year.
“Of course, you’re always working to get better at technique,” Wynn explained. “I could always get better at my technique. It’s never polished. So if you consider that knocking off rust, then yeah. I always want to get better at my technique.”
A first-round pick out of Georgia in 2018, Wynn projects as the Patriots’ starting left tackle if healthy.
The Patriots travel to Nashville for joint practices later this week. Wynn’s participation level in those sessions will be an important storyline.
Practice notes
Wide receiver N’Keal Harry and tight end Matt LaCosse were absent. Harry is expected to miss additional practice time with an undisclosed injury, but his Week 1 status is not currently in jeopardy, according to a source. The nature and severity of LaCosse’s injury is unknown.
Running back Rex Burkhead, who did not practice in Detroit or play in the preseason opener, returned to the field on Monday. He appeared to be a full participant.
Tight end Lance Kendricks returned in the red non-contact jersey. Kendricks did not make the trip to Detroit.
Safety Nate Ebner and rookie cornerback Ken Webster were activated off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Offensive tackle Cole Croston, who had been waived earlier in camp, was back on the field. Cornerback D’Angelo Ross was released.
Receiver Cameron Meredith also made his first appearance. Meredith, still on the PUP list, came out for warmups alongside Demaryius Thomas . ...
With LaCosse sidelined, the Patriots traded for Falcons tight end Eric Saubert on Monday for a conditional seventh-round draft pick.
Saubert is a third-year pro who was a fifth-round pick out of Drake in 2017.
Still a monster
During his first WEEI interview of the season, Tom Brady was asked about his good buddy, Rob Gronkowski.
Specifically, Brady was asked if Gronk “looks like someone who could return” to the NFL.
“That’s another offseason loaded question that I’ve gotten from about five million people,” Brady said. “Gronk is a great friend, he always will be. I’m excited for him and the choices he’s making. For all of us, you look at pro football … It’s a pressure-packed environment. You’ve got to perform every single day. It’s a lot to take on. To see him kind of regaining his kind of outward spirit, it’s been fun to see. He’s enjoying himself. I think everyone who knows him just wants what’s best for him and I think he’s enjoying himself.”
Host Greg Hill then pointed out that Gronkowski looks like he’s shed about 50 pounds. Brady quickly corrected him.
“Fifty pounds? Oh my God. No way,” Brady said. “He’s down like probably 15. He’s huge. He’s 6-foot-7. He’s still a monster.”