FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots’ defensive was delighted to see number 24 back at the box on Tuesday.
Corner Stephon Gilmore, a full-fledged player on Day 8 of the Patriots Educational Camp, having not completed the last five practices for non-public reasons.
“Steph is a guy we all admire,” Terrence Brooks said of safety after practice. “I know, speaking for myself, I like to have Steph there because I can be informed of him. Just the way it covers, the way it practices, the way it behaves. It’s smart to bring your brother back to construction.
“We miss him. It was smart to have him there. You don’t have to worry about so many receivers when it’s out there.”
Sophomore Chase Winovich praised the NFL’s protective defensive player of the year.
“I love betting with Steph,” Winovich said. “It’s just a beast. I think I’m your number one logo promoter on Instagram, because in each and every one of the photos that appear, I comment on them (with) the lock emoji. There’s no key because the key has been released. I’m joking, but yes, I love Steph, he’s a wonderful teammate and it’s wonderful to have him on the field.”
The precise explanation of Gilmore’s absence remains unclear, however, several reports have indicated that the All-Pro coverman was handling a non-public affair. Gilmore then had to complete another COVID-19 test circular before he could enroll in the team.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick referred to Gilmore’s prestige Monday in an interview with WEEI’s “Ordway, Merloni and Fauria,” saying, “He’s excused.”
Gilmore leads the Patriots’ innermost position group, with Jason McCourty, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams and Justin Bethel, all returning from last year’s team. Unselected rookie corner Myles Bryant and ad acquisition Michael Jackson also showed their potential at the camp.