FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- With the New England Patriots on a day off from training camp Saturday, let's take stock of some personnel by identifying three players who have built momentum through the first eight practices, and three who haven't:
MOMENTUM-BUILDERS
DT Markus Kuhn -- Signed to a one-year free-agent contract with a maximum value of $1.5 million after spending the first four years of his career with the Giants, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Kuhn has received a good number of repetitions playing alongside 2015 first-round pick Malcom Brown. It could simply be a case of the Patriots' coaching staff wanting to get a closer look at him, but seeing Kuhn on the field more regularly with the top group than others such as Terrance Knighton has caught the eye.
WR Malcolm Mitchell -- The fourth-round draft choice from Georgia had four of Tom Brady's 25 completions during Friday's intrasquad scrimmage and looks like the 'X' receiver with the highest upside traits-wise -- he's fast, runs good routes and has made an early impression in terms of grasping some of the complex concepts in the team's scheme. The Patriots are managing his availability (likely with his knee in mind), as he's been held out of two practices, but he seems to pick up right where he left off upon returning to the field.
G Joe Thuney -- From the first day of spring practices, the third-round draft choice from NC State was the top left guard and he's never relinquished the spot. His athleticism shows up in 1-on-1 drills with his ability to move his feet, and he plays with a mean streak of sorts. He also has worked snapping the ball as a center early in practice, but at this point, it's hard to imagine anyone unseating him at left guard unless there is an injury.
STILL IN SEARCH OF MOMENTUM
RB D.J. Foster -- The undrafted free-agent running back from Arizona State had shown quickness in spring practices, but hasn't been fully healthy in training camp, missing multiple days. The Patriots don't have much depth at running back, and thus one line of thinking was that Foster might be an under-the-radar candidate to emerge, but his absence has created more repetitions for others, such as Tyler Gaffney.
TE Clay Harbor -- Considered the leading candidate to fill the No. 3 role behind Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Harbor hasn't practiced after opening training camp on the physically unable to perform list. That led to the signing of free agent Bear Pascoe, and has helped undrafted free agents Steven Scheu and Bryce Williams get extended looks from the coaching staff.
WR Nate Washington -- The 12-year veteran practiced on the first day of training camp, then was out for the next six practices before returning Friday in a limited capacity. Bill Belichick said the competition at wide receiver is probably as good as any year in his tenure and Washington now faces an uphill climb in the battle for a roster spot.