Patriots' Trent Brown: Contract 'Hold-In'?

New England Patriots left tackle Trent Brown reveals why he has been a limited participant in training camp.

With the New England Patriots set to kick off their preseason Thursday night against the Houston Texans, questions continue to be asked about the status of starting left tackle Trent Brown. The eight-year veteran has been a limited participant in camp over the last week, prompting doubts about his availability or even commitment to the upcoming season.

Coming up on a contract year, could Brown be replicating the formula of star edge-rusher Matthew Judon, who was limited in the practices leading up to his reworked deal. Or, perhaps, is the Patriots' lineman dealing with an injury?

"Not at all," Brown said on Monday when asked if his expiring deal had anything to do with his limited participation. Rather, Brown revealed that an injury is why he has mostly been a spectator in recent practices. 

“I’m getting better. Doing everything I can to get back out here with my team,” Brown said about his recovery. “Definitely frustrating from a personal standpoint. That’s all I can speak on it. But like I said, I’m doing everything I can to get back on the field.”

The good news is that while it has been seven days since the media was able to see Brown on the field with no restrictions, he may be nearing his return, as Monday's practice did see an uptick in his participation. 

Brown isn't the only returning starter from last season's offensive line, as both right and left guards Michael Onwenu and Cole Strange have been out with injuries.

Coming off a season where he led the Patriots in penalties committed with 13 while allowing eight sacks, Brown is hoping to have a bounce-back season as the blindside protector of quarterback Mac Jones. 

“Even though I’m not practicing, I’m still doing everything I can outside of here to prepare for that,’ Brown said. “But, again, there’s nothing like full-speed reps.”

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