Patriots

Javon Baker made an epic catch, and other takeaways from Day 4 of Patriots training camp

The latest on Javon Baker's catch, Christian Barmore's absence, and the QB depth chart.

Javon Baker John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

By Khari Thompson

Between 1-on-1 drills, 7-on-7 scrimmages, and 11-on-11 team sessions, there were plenty of highlight-reel caliber plays to chose from during Sunday’s practice.

For starters, there was Drake Maye hitting Kayshon Boutte in stride down the sideline on a deep ball. Boutte gave Christian Gonzalez a quick stutter-step at the beginning of the route and created enough separation to allow Maye to place the ball right where it needed to be.

Another highlight-worthy play was cornerback Marcus Jones’s decision to keep chasing after David Wallis after what looked like it would be an easy catch. Wallis bobbled the ball a bit, and Jones caught up to him, ripping the ball out with both hands and sending Wallis’s helmet flying.

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But, the biggest play of the day came from rookie receiver Javon Baker, who showed off his coordination with a basket catch that required plenty of concentration.

Here are five takeaways from the action, including Baker’s big catch.

Play of the Day: Javon Baker

A quick burst off the line gave Baker more than enough separation to sprint past Mikey Victor and show off his straight-line speed.

He kept running while he looked up to track the ball and was able to track it well enough to get both hands under it and reel it in.

Baker, who dealt with a thumb injury during the spring, chuckled when he was asked if he was still limited by the injury.

“Nah, does it look like it?” Baker said with a smile.

Baker also had an impressive catch on a deep ball from Joe Milton that went more than 60 yards on Friday.

The fourth-round pick hasn’t gotten a ton of reps with the starters yet, but that may change if he keeps turning heads with these catches.

Zappe appears to be sliding down the depth chart

Bailey Zappe did not get any reps during the first portion of 11-on-11 scrimmages.

He did get some time at the end of the second 11-on-11 session, but it appears that Milton is ahead of Zappe on the depth chart for now.

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With his limited reps, it’s somewhat easy to forget that Zappe ended last season as the starter after Mac Jones’s struggles got him benched.

Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye remain at the top of the depth chart. While Milton has made mistakes, such as getting picked off during 7-on-7s on Sunday, his size and arm strength have made him tough to ignore during this camp.

Tackles getting after it

Rookie tackle Caedan Wallace worked with the first-team at left tackle for the second day in a row.

The interior of the Patriots’ offensive line remained the same, with David Andrews at center and Mike Onwenu and Sidy Sow at guard. Chukwuma Okorafor got reps at right tackle.

Wallace has switched between left and right tackle during this camp. He said he doesn’t mind playing wherever the team needs him, adding that he’s getting more and more comfortable at left tackle every day.

He said that there hasn’t been much discussion about the position battles at the tackle positions, which have also included Calvin Anderson and Vederian Lowe.

“We just kind of read the depth chart every day and get after it,” Wallace said. “There’s not a lot of conversation that goes into it. I would say we’re all helping each other out. It’s a really good room to be in in terms of competition. No one is being weird about it. We’re all talking and communicating and making sure guys are doing their job right, so I’m grateful to be here.”

Barmore out indefinitely

Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore was not spotted at practice on Sunday. It’s the second practice in a row that Barmore has missed after being limited with an illness during Thursday’s practice.

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The Patriots announced after practice that Barmore has been diagnosed with blood clots after being treated at Mass General Brigham over the weekend.

He does not have a timetable for his return.

Sunday also happened to be Barmore’s 25th birthday.

Receivers Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas warmed up with the team during the stretching portion of practice, but did not participate in scrimmages.

Douglas said he is dealing with a minor hand injury that won’t keep him out much longer.

Almost time to hit

The Patriots were in shirts and shells again on Sunday, but next week they’ll be in full pads.

Wallace said he is eager to get his first padded practice under his belt.

“I’m excited. Shells is cool, but I’m excited to get after it and get to work with the guys that we have here. Really it will be my first real NFL practice, so I’m excited for it,” he said.