The first full-contact practice of the Patriots summer got underway on Saturday morning. (Photo: Oliver Thomas)

NEPD Editor: Oliver Thomas

The New England Patriots were in shorts and shells for the first two days of training camp, but that changed on Saturday. It was full pads for the team’s 9:15 morning practice. And it was, even for veteran defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, who opened camp on the physically unable to perform list after tearing his ACL last season. (more…)

The Patriots were back on the field Friday for the second day of training camp practice. (Photo: Oliver Thomas)

NEPD Editor: Oliver Thomas

Under a cloudless sky, subtle winds and 80-degree temperatures, the New England Patriots made their way back onto the practice fields Friday morning for the second day of training camp.

The first one out there was Ryan Allen, who started warming up just after 8:50 a.m. Soon he was joined by receiver Danny Amendola, who fielded his punts, and rookie Tyler Ott, who stretched before snapping them.

By 9:05, the rest of the team had filed on. (more…)

The 2014 Patriots kicked off training camp behind Gillette Stadium on Thursday morning. (Photo: Oliver Thomas)

NEPD Editor: Oliver Thomas

The New England Patriots kicked off training camp Thursday morning, as sunny skies and humidity gave way to dark clouds and light showers by noon. But over the course of the three-hour practice, observations came to light.

They did, even if the Patriots weren’t in football pads. (more…)

There will be upwards of 90 players to watch for once the Patriots hit the practice fields for training camp on Thursday. (Photo: Oliver Thomas)

NEPD Editor: Oliver Thomas

The final mandatory minicamp session concluded five weeks ago. Six have been signed, five have been released, and one has retired since then. But the roster transactions, as well as the football activities, are about to accelerate once again.

Summer vacation is now over for the New England Patriots.

The rookies headed back to school at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, and the veterans joined them on Wednesday. And by 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, both the underclassmen and the upperclassmen will have their helmets in hand as they file onto the practice fields for the start of training camp.

Undrafted linebacker-turned-safety Kanorris Davis was the first one out there last year. With 36 new players and 90 altogether, though, it remains to be seen who it will be this year.

A lot remains to be seen.

Here are five things to keep an eye on once the Patriots open camp on July 24. (more…)