Patriots Cancel OTAs; Christian Gonzalez Rookie Number

In light of their robust attendance to begin OTAs, the New England Patriots have been given a day off from head coach Bill Belichick.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots have already called their first ‘audible’ as it pertains to their offseason workout program. 

After holding their first two organized training activities earlier this week, the team announced on Wednesday that they have decided to cancel the third session, originally scheduled for Thursday.

Members of the New England media were set to take their first on-field look at the team, which includes several new faces both on the coaching staff, as well as the roster. While rescheduling of this type is slightly eye-opening, it is far from being unprecedented. Pats coach Bill Belichick has both cancelled and postponed offseason practices during both voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp during several of his years at the helm in New England. 

Accordingly, media access to OTAs will be postponed until Wednesday, with another session open on June 8. The Patriots will also provide team access for the entirety of their mandatory minicamp from June 12-14.

Patriots Assign Temporary Rookie Jersey Numbers

The Patriots also revealed the number assignments for their 2023 free agent acquisitions, as well as a few holdovers making a switch from last season.

Conspicuous from their absence were New England’s rookies. In keeping with team tradition, the Pats rookie class will likely receive its official jersey numbers prior to their first preseason game. 

Until then, the first-year Patriots have been temporarily assigned the following numbers in the 50s and 60s, based on draft status. 

No. 50: CB Christian Gonzalez

No. 51: DE Keion White

No. 52: LB Marte Mapu

No. 53: OL Jake Andrews

No. 54: OL Sidy Sow

No. 55: OL Atonio Mafi

No. 58: WR Kayshon Boutte

No. 59: P Bryce Baringer

No. 60: WR Demario Douglas

No. 61: CB Ameer Speed

No. 62: K Chad Ryland

No. 63: CB Isaiah Bolden

No. 64: QB Malik Cunningham*

No. 65: TE Johnny Lumpkin*

No. 66: LB Jourdan Heilig*

No. 67: DL Justus Tavai*

*undrafted free agent

The Patriots are next set to hit the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, May 30. 

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