Winners From Patriots Joint Practice vs. Colts: A.J. Brown Remains Top Target

The New England Patriots had several players shine during their first joint practice of the summer.

Jul 28, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) works with a member of the coaching staff during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

FOXBORO --- The New England Patriots walked off the practice fields in lock step with the Indianapolis Colts after their joint practice. Both sides looked solid moving the ball, and some Patriots made their mark known during 1-on-1 and team drills.

But which Patriots stood out among the rest?

For the first time all training camp, the Patriots were able to line up and hit another team. Here's the players that rose to the challenge Tuesday.

QB Tommy DeVito

Jul 28, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito (16) looks to pass the ball during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Patriots certainly don't need a new starting quarterback, but DeVito has been making strides as the second-in-command. He's taken full control of the second-string offense and continued to look the part against the Colts.

He went 2-for-6 in 7s and 11-for-16 in 11s, with several long throws being the highlights of the day. His 50-yard touchdown to Mack Hollins on the first play of his two-minute drill was just the cherry on top for an already-impressive summer.

"He continues to learn, and with it being a new system, I think it got his attention a little bit better, as opposed to saying, 'Hey, I know what this is,' and kind of taking it for granted," head coach Mike Vrabel said pre-practice. "I think he’s really done a nice job."

WR A.J. Brown

Jul 28, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) makes a catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Brown remained the No. 1 option for the Patriots' passing attack. It started off with a win over Sauce Gardner in 1-on-1s, a play that led Sauce Gardner to hop on social media and write about it in a now-deleted post.

Once the teams began full squad reps, Brown was finding the ball early and often. Working in tandem with Drake Maye, Brown led the Patriots with five receptions. One of those would have been good for a 10-yard touchdown, an in-breaking route where he slipped through two defenders near the goal line.

TE Hunter Henry

Jul 25, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) delivers a puppy to its new family at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Just one day removed from signing a two-year extension to stay with the Patriots, Henry was a constant factor on the field. Not just with the starters -- where he'll be all season -- but with the second unit as well.

Maye's first two completions of the day were to Henry, one of them a 25-yard catch and run down the right seam. Later in the practice, he spent time with the backups, catching two passes (and a touchdown) from DeVito. It was a fantastic joint practice for the player who was excited about facing a new team.

"It’s the first time we’re a full team. We’re all going to wear the same color and cheer on each other in a way instead of going against each other," Henry said Monday. "It’s always fun to have those battles throughout camp and all of a sudden just kind of come together as a team and try to build that."

EDGE Elijah Ponder

Jul 25, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Elijah Ponder (91) walks to the practice field at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Ponder remained with the top defense, and it's starting to stick that the second-year edge rusher belongs in the NFL. He recorded an impressive batted down ball at the line of scrimmage, leaping in the air to make contact, before eventually recording a would-be strip sack later in the practice.

Vrabel said before practice that veteran Harold Landry is still working his way back from a knee injury suffered last year, so until he returns to the field, it's looking like Ponder has played his way into the starting lineup for Week 1.

CB Christian Gonzalez

Jul 25, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) works out at training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

But how could Gonzalez be a winner? He didn't even appear at practice! Considering how depleted the Patriots' secondary was without Gonzalez and Carlton Davis (limited, hamstring) on the field, it just was more evidence that the 24-year-old deserves a new extension.

The Patriots rolled out Kindle Vildor, Karon Prunty and Channing Canada with the first-string defense -- who have each looked good at points in camp -- but it just wasn't a good fit. The Colts' offensive weapons, including Josh Downs and Tyler Warren, were running wild during team drills.

"Everybody's expected to be able to come in and compete at the highest level that they're able to compete against," safety Dell Pettus said after practice on missing Gonzalez. "We love having Gonzo out here, and if he's just not able to go for whatever reason it is that day, whoever comes in next is supposed to come in and be held at the same as level as he is."

S John Saunders Jr.

Jul 28, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Kenneth Harris (36) does a drill with safety John Saunders Jr. (23) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The final play of practice helped leave a good taste in the mouths of Patriots fans. With Riley Leonard and the Colts driving on a two-minute drill, the pass across the middle got deflected near the 10-yard line. Saunders, the second-year safety fighting for a spot on the team, was in the right place at the right time to nab the interception (his second of training camp).

"John, he keeps getting better," Pettus said on Saunders. "He's always been a playmaker when it comes to getting his hands on the football. He just continues to grow."

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