On Monday, the Patriots will practice in pads for the first time this training camp.
Here are four offensive position battles to watch as the team ramps up its preparation for the season.
1. Who will earn snaps as a third-down running back?
Veteran James White remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, while rehabbing the season-ending hip subluxation he suffered in Week 3 last year. White served as a key offensive option prior to his injury, tallying 3,161 receiving yards and 25 receiving touchdowns from 2015-2020. He can be activated at any time and, if he returns to form, will continue to play an important role as a versatile pass-catching back.