5 takeaways from Day 17 of Patriots training camp

Another day of padded practice is in the books as the Patriots continue to inch closer to Sunday’s preseason finale against the Commanders.

Jacoby Brissett fared better than Drake Maye during the two-minute drill at the end of practice. He hit Tyquan Thornton on a deep pass that set up a field-goal.

Maye’s unit, which was comprised of second-stringers, struggled to move the ball and did not score during the drill.

New England remains banged up at tight-end with Hunter Henry and Mitchell Wilcox out, but Austin Hooper was able to return to practice. Josh Uche and JaQuae Jackson were also among the notable absences.

Mayo said there are no updates on Jackson, who was carted off the field with a leg injury during Thursday’s preseason matchup with Philadelphia. Mayo said earlier in the week that Jackson was awaiting an MRI.

Also, a rookie offensive guard found himself working with the first-team at times.

Here are five takeaways from the action.

Strong start, rough finish for Drake Maye

The good news for the top-two quarterbacks was that neither one of them turned the ball over.

For the most part, they showed accuracy on quick-hit throws. KJ Osborn and Demario Douglas stood out among the receivers, with Jalen Reagor making plays as well.

Brissett’s deep pass to Thornton, which went for about 40 yards, was the longest completion of the day by far. Maye’s biggest play was a medium gain to KJ Osborn over by the sideline.

Maye looked sharp up until the two-minute drill. The pocket collapsed on his first throw, forcing him to scramble and launch a short sidearm pass that fell incomplete. He had a pair of short completions, but was unable to get within field-goal range. His final throw of the period was a Hail Mary that was batted down.

Layden Robinson gets a shot with the first-team

Rookie offensive lineman Layden Robinson rotated in for some reps with the starters at guard.

The Patriots have been consistent with the middle of their line for most of the summer, typically going with David Andrews at center along with Mike Onwenu and Sidy Sow at the guard spots.

Sow took some snaps with the second-team unit on Monday.

Robinson has had a strong camp so far, and Monday was an opportunity to get a shot with the first-team for a bit.

“That tells me that I’m doing good. I’ve still got to maintain that, doing my job every single day and never get comfortable,” he said. “They’re just throwing me in there to see what I can do and how I can adjust with the ones and how I can be of help if I am needed, so its’ just my job to be ready.”

Spots still open at cornerback

Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones says he feels good and is excited to be back at practice after missing some time during camp.

Jones said he has enjoyed taking reps at various spots in the secondary, including playing both inside and outside at corner and even getting some looks at safety.

Jones, Christian Gonzalez, and Marcus Jones appear to be remaining at the top of the Patriots’ depth chart for cornerbacks. There are several younger players at the position vying for roster spots such as Marco Wilson, Alex Austin, and Isaiah Bolden.

Coach Jerod Mayo said last week that group hasn’t been able to provide the consistency he’s looking for just yet.

“Those guys come out, they work, they push each other,” Jones said. “There’s competition there but I enjoy watching them. Even through the facility they’re still a close group of guys, they hang around each other a lot, so it will be fun to see.”

With tight-ends banged up, rookie Bell looks to seize opportunity

With Henry, Hooper, and Wilcox banged up, rookie tight-end Jaheim Bell is looking to seize on the opportunity to show what he can do.

Bell has one catch this preseason for 11 yards, but could see a bigger role during Sunday’s game depending on how the injury situation shakes out.

“The last couple days have been going great,” Bell said. “I’ve been preparing every day like it was time for me to shine. (Sunday) was one of those days for me. I always tell myself to be ready when that moment comes because when you get those moments you don’t want to look back and say ‘I wish I did this’ and ‘I wish I did that.’”