FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots assistant coaches are scheduled to address reporters on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. ET, with Bill Belichick following at noon. In addition, captains Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater are on the schedule for 12:15 p.m.
That sets the stage as media coverage of the team shifts into a higher gear in advance of the team's first open training camp practice Thursday.
A few thoughts/notes:
Belichick's first availability since court ruled against Brady. Barring a late change, this will be the first time Belichick addresses reporters since Tom Brady's request for a rehearing was denied in court. That topic, coupled with how he plans to handle quarterback repetitions in camp with Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo, figures to be popular among reporters.
Reporting day for veterans and conditioning tests. Wednesday is the official reporting day for non-quarterbacks and veterans who weren't rehabbing an injury. Traditionally, players have also taken the annual conditioning test on this day, which opens the possibility of additions to the active/physically unable to perform list or others landing on the active/non-football injury list. Every player outside of safety Nate Ebner, who is with the U.S. Olympic rugby team, is expected.
One roster spot to fill. The Patriots currently have 89 players on their 90-man roster, and the open spot is likely to be filled in the coming days.
Notable changes on coaching staff. With assistants set to meet reporters, it's a reminder of some changes on the staff. With linebackers coach Patrick Graham departing for the Giants, safeties coach Brian Flores -- who is considered a rising talent in the profession -- moves to the linebackers. Steve Belichick was promoted from coaching assistant to safeties coach, and Jerry Schuplinski was elevated to assistant quarterbacks coach. Meanwhile, Dante Scarnecchia's return as offensive line coach after a two-year retirement has been well documented. Also, Moses Cabrera was promoted from assistant strength and conditioning coach to replace Harold Nash, and James Hardy of the University of Colorado is his assistant.