Patriots star returns to practice and Drake Maye bounces back on Day 7 of Training Camp

After a few days of craziness and one day off, things returned to normal for the most part at Gillette Stadium for Day 7 of New England Patriots training camp.

One star player returned after a dispute with the team over his contract, and the offense showed some improvement.

While the team wasn't in pads on the hottest day of training camp so far, they still came out and competed to the fullest.

So let's get into all the takeaways from Day 7, starting with Matthew Judon.

1. Matthew Judon returns to practice

On Monday, the linebacker came out for practice like every other day and took part in his daily session of catch with the fans. However, when it came time for him to put the pads on and join his teammates, he opted to sit on the side and watch.

Then on Tuesday, he was no where to be found and it was even reported that he wasn't in the facility.

But on Thursday morning, Mayo confirmed to reporters that he expected Judon to be on the field and participating during training camp.

"But just so you guys know, my philosophy and our philosophy is to keep as much internal as possible. We had a great meeting with Judon, and we’re all moving forward," Mayo told reporters prior to the session. "It’s always a difficult time when you go through contract negotiations and things like that. In saying that, for the rest of the team, we’re pushing forward. We fully expect Matthew to be out here today and participate in practice."

During practice, Judon took part in every single period of practice. So it seems things are going in the right direction.

2. Drake Maye shows improvement

Throughout training camp, quarterback Drake Maye has looked like a rookie... and that is 100% okay.

It is natural for there to be some struggles for any rookie coming into the league, but Maye proved that he has all the skills necessary to succeed. He just has to before more pro-ready, in the words of Mayo.

And on Thursday, he had a really solid showing during team drills. He finished 11-on-11s, going 5-for-6, and went 2-for-4 during 7-on-7s.

Specifically, he located tight end Mitchell Wilcox during 11s, placing the ball perfectly between two defenders. It was one of his top throws during training camp.

3. Full Quarterback Stats

11v11s
Jacoby Brissett : 5/8
Drake Maye : 5/6
Bailey Zappe : 1/4

7v7s
Jacoby Brissett : 3/5
Drake Maye : 2/4
Joe Milton III : 3.5

4. Tyquan Thornton comes out on top

Tyquan Thornton has had a lot of ups and downs during his time with the Patriots. And while his speed had many excited, his lack of production led to a lot of the hype dropping off.

But on Thursday, he had a promising performance during 1-on-1s. Thornton had the tough task of having to go up against second-year star cornerback Christian Gonzalez. But both times, he got past him and caught the ball.

5. A new look on the offensive line

For a few days in a row, it was the same "starting" five on the offensive line. But on Thursday, things changed up once again.

Chukwuma Okorafor remained at right tackle, but instead of Caedan Wallace on the left, it was Vederian Lowe. Wallace was with the second unit.

LT: Vederian Lowe
LG: Sidy Sow
C: David Andrews
RG: Mike Onwenu
RT: Chukwuma Okorafor

6. Defense takes a lap

In the two prior practices, it was either a member of the offense or even the entire unit who had to do a lap due to some mistakes. But on Thursday, it was the defense's turn. It appeared they had some pre-snap issues while going up against Joe Milton and the third-team offense. And it didn't help matters that Milton found receivers in the end zone three times in four plays.

However, one offensive player did have to take a lap after Calvin Anderson false started later on in practice.

7. A small scuffle

While there were no ejections during the latest practice, there was one minor incident. Coaches had to come in and break up tight end Hunter Henry and linebacker Anfernee Jennings.

8. Javon Baker has another impressive play... but it might not have counted

Throughout training camp, Javon Baker has emerged as a possible top weapon for the team this season. He has made some impressive grabs, and that continued on Day 7.

Baker made a contested catch over cornerback Mikey Victor in the corner of the end zone from Bailey Zappe. It was a nice grab and Baker managed to hold onto it, but it wasn't clear if he got two feet in bounds.

If the defense's reaction was any indication, he didn't.