Patriots Training Camp News and Highlights: July 31 - August 3

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe does a great job covering and reporting from the New England Patriots Training Camps. Here are some of his reported highlights from July 31 - August 3:

July 31:
Rookies “worked” on a fumble drill at the start of practice that included a hose, as they were drenched by linebacker Tedy Bruschi as they slid across the field; a yearly ritual of camp.

When a player makes a mental mistake in practice, such as a false start, or jumping offside, he is required to run a lap. When QB Tom Brady doesn't hesitate and simply starts making his way around the field when he makes a mistake, it’s a reflection of strong leadership. Brady leads by example.

Runningback Laurence Maroney stepped up his game and stonewalled linebacker Jerod Mayo in one-on-one pass-blocking work. Good to see Maroney getting his game together.

The Patriots have Chad Jackson, Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, Matthew Slater, Kevin Faulk, C.J. Jones and Terrence Wheatley as returners. Slater, in particular, seems to have a knack for the return spot, combining instinct and acceleration as the hole opens.

Defensive backs continue to get their hands on footballs, which has been one of the more encouraging early story lines of camp from a Patriots perspective.

August 1:
Patriots great Andre Tippett will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend.

August 2:
The Patriots announced the signing of free-agent offensive lineman Barry Stokes. The team also placed veteran offensive lineman Anthony Clement on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Ellis Hobbs and Wes Welker were both happy to be back at practice after missing the first week on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Hobbs, who is recovering from off-season shoulder and groin surgeries, said that he's not at full speed yet. Welker, who was back after a groin injury that forced him to miss mini-camp and the start of training camp, said he's feels he's fully healthy now.

August 3:
Belichick praised all three backup QBs, saying Cassel has had a good camp, Gutierrez is one of the team's hardest workers and O'Connell seems more confident under center than in spring camps.

As for the incumbent QB, Tom Brady, who is celebrating his 31st birthday today. Belichick did not have an update on the franchise QB’s status after Brady tweaked his left leg during practice yesterday.

TE David Thomas is back on the practice field. Thomas had been held out of practice due to an undisclosed ailment after leaving last Monday's session with a member of the team's training staff.