Highlights from Monday's practice.
New England Patriots tight ends Aaron Hernandez (81) and Rob Gronkowski (87) share a laugh while sitting on the bench during their first NFL preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012.FOXBOROUGH -- Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Brandon Lloyd were among those who sat out Monday's practice at Gillette Stadium.
It is unknown why they were held out of action. Gronkowski, who had offseason ankle surgery, also missed Sunday's session.
Gronkowski and Hernandez, considered the best tight-end tandem in the NFL, were out at the start of practice in sweats but later left to work with the training staff.
INTERESTING MOVES: The Patriots have entered a period in camp where they have to start looking towards the future and how their roster is going to come together. So the team was likely doing a bit of research by having Jermaine Cunningham and Ron Brace cycle in with the starting defensive line. Both players are considered to be on the bubble and will be playing for their roster spot over the next few weeks.
CORNERBACKS SHOW UP AGAIN: Both Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington had good days. We marked down a few pass breakups for McCourty, and Arrington managed to pull a couple balls out as his receiver was falling to the ground.
BUCKET DRILL: The bucket drill showed up for the first time this summer and was a major dud. All three quarterbacks missed on both of their attempts from about 40 yards out. The closest anyone came to throwing a ball into the trash can is when offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels wound up and bounced one off the front.
EBNER PICK: Rookie Nate Ebner had a big day and managed to record an interception on a Ryan Mallett pass. He looked good on Monday, though probably remains a longshot to make the roster. On another note, Mallett seems to be slipping a little bit. He makes a ton of really good throws, but his release is slow and appears to be thinking too much on the field.
TUESDAY: The Patriots practice from 1:30-4 p.m. The session is open to the public and free to attend.