Excused Brown faces test
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
FOXBORO — The Patriots were down to two offensive tackles at yesterday’s practice, as Trent Brown missed his second straight day.
This would be a major cause for concern, except Brown had “an excused absence,” according to an ESPN report.
The 6-foot-8, 380-pound Brown is expected to return today and play in Sunday’s season opener against the Texans.
And Brown will be among the most important players on the field. As the starting left tackle, he figures to draw a steady dose of Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus, two of the league’s premier edge defenders.
Even though the Tom Bradydriven offense has put up points against Houston in recent games, it has endured some struggles, too. Brady was frequently hit, and finished an uncharacteristic 18-for-38, in a AFC divisional round victory in the 2016 season. In Week 3 a year ago, Brady fumbled a career-high three times, including once on the game-winning drive. Fortunately, center David Andrews pounced on the ball. Brady delivered the go-ahead touchdown to Brandin Cooks three plays later.
Houston’s dominant pass rush is fully healthy, too. Mercilus and J.J. Watt are coming off season-ending injuries, and both appear ready to go.
Earlier this week, Bill Belichick noted that the Texans front seven is a “group of outstanding players.”
“One of the things that the Texans do a good job of is they don’t always line up in the same place,” Belichick said. “So, sometimes finding them or identifying where they are is a little bit of a problem.”
This will indeed be a huge challenge for Brown in his Patriots debut.
Backs are back
After missing most of August, running backs Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead are making progress as both participated in positional drills for the second straight day.
Michel exited an Aug. 1 practice with a knee injury and did not return until Aug. 27. Like Michel, Burkhead did not appear in a preseason game.
Early in yesterday’s practice, Michel and Burkhead ran routes, caught passes from quarterbacks, and took part in agility drills with other tailbacks. While it’s hard to judge a player’s readiness from a few drills, the increased participation level for both backs should be viewed as an encouraging sign.
Bolden heads to Miami
Brandon Bolden didn’t make the initial 53-man roster here, but many assumed he’d be added to the team at some point. Unexpectedly, he reached an agreement with the Miami Dolphins yesterday.
Bolden was a special teams standout and one of the most well-liked players in the locker room. He caught on as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and appeared in 98 career games for the Pats, including the playoffs. Bolden played 60 percent of the special teams snaps a year ago.
The 27-year-old projects as a core special teamer for the Dolphins. He’ll be behind Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore on the running backs depth chart.
Thanks for coming
Amara Darboh enjoyed a nice Labor Day weekend visit to Foxboro. Claimed off waivers Sunday, the 6-foot-2 receiver was waived yesterday.
Darboh, a 2017 third-round pick by Seattle out of Michigan, lasted only one practice.
Chad Hansen, also claimed off waivers Sunday, remains. Hansen should serve as the No. 4 receiver behind Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Veteran offensive lineman Brian Schwenke filled Darboh’s spot on the roster. Schwenke was with the Patriots throughout training camp.