Patriots and Colts hold joint training session ahead of preseason opener

New England and Indianapolis met for a joint two-hour practice on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium under sunny, mid-80-degree conditions. The session featured full pads and focused on red-zone and end-of-game scenarios.

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was absent due to ongoing contract talks and a recent hard fall, while several other players participated in a limited capacity, including Christian Barmore, who is still recovering from injury. Coach Mike Vrabel said the team is "still trying to get him back knowing that we have some time, and it’s a long season," emphasizing a cautious approach to his return.

Quarterback Drake Maye led the Patriots' offense effectively, connecting with receivers A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and tight ends Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon. Maye later acknowledged the need for a better finish, stating, "I thought we did some good things and I think we got to finish off better. That's speaking on my part in the two-minute drill."

The Colts' offense, led by Daniel Jones, moved the ball efficiently, culminating in a late-game touchdown to Josh Downs after a quick pass to tight end Tyler Warren. The Patriots' secondary, missing Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, struggled in the red-zone 7-on-7 drills.

Backup quarterback Tommy DeVito also performed well, delivering a deep post touchdown to Kyle Williams and multiple red-zone scores to the tight ends. Vrabel praised DeVito, noting, "2 Chains is doing a nice job. He continues to learn, and with it being a new system, I think it got his attention a little bit better."

Defensive highlights included a sack by Milton Williams and Cory Durden, and an interception by John Saunders Jr. in a one-minute drill. Special-teams work featured successful field-goal attempts by Andy Borregales and solid punt coverage.

The Patriots will hold a closed walkthrough on Wednesday before opening the preseason against the Colts on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Maye not expected to play in the game.