Patriots stock watch: Boston.com reporter Khari A. Thompson attended New England’s joint practices with the Colts and filed the clearest practice-based snapshot yet of who has risen and who has slipped heading into the preseason opener. The biggest takeaways: Romeo Doubs delivered a highlight-reel grab that boosted his evaluations, while quarterback Drake Maye mixed sharp downfield connections with an end-of-practice interception; coach Mike Vrabel said Maye likely won’t play in Thursday’s preseason game.

Quick summary: the clearest “stock up” names were Romeo Doubs and slot playmaker DeMario Douglas, while noticeable slips affected reserve players — including the absence of third-string QB Behren Morton from scrimmage work and a tougher path for converted fullback-turned-TE Jack Westover. Stock labels below are the reporter’s evaluations based on practice observations and are not official team decisions.

Topline: Patriots stock watch — who rose and who slipped

This latest Patriots stock watch is grounded in the specific practice plays and coach comments observed during the joint sessions in Foxborough. The most impactful single plays: a leaping two-handed touchdown by Romeo Doubs over christian gonzalez during the two-minute drill, plus several big connections from Drake Maye to demario douglas contract (Maye also threw an interception late in practice).

Practice plays that stood out

Romeo Doubs capped a productive day with a leaping two-handed touchdown in the two-minute drill, a play Thompson cited for boosting Doubs’ evaluations in red-area and contested-catch work.

Drake Maye delivered several sharp downfield throws, including multiple connections to DeMario Douglas. He finished practice with an interception on a misread late in the session — a mixed tape that reporters flagged in real time.

Defensive and situational plays that moved evaluations included a near stripping sack by Cory Durden that was negated by penalty, and a heads-up scoop by rookie safety John Saunders on a tipped pass. Elijah Ponder also swatted away a Colts screen from Daniel Jones, a play that underlined his situational value.

Quarterback report: Maye, DeVito and QB depth notes

Coach Mike Vrabel said coaches are managing frontline reps at joint practices and indicated Drake Maye likely won’t play in Thursday’s preseason opener; that directly affects which backups and bubble players receive game reps. This is Vrabel’s planning as reported by Boston.com and not an official roster move.

Tommy DeVito showed command running the offense, including a well-placed deep ball to a perimeter target that staffers highlighted during practice. Behren Morton did not take part in the scrimmage reps, which lowered his observed stock this week. Eli Raridon received increased first-team reps, helping his tight-end case.

Position battles and roster implications

Practice work clarified several position fights, though again these are reporter evaluations, not team decisions. Terrell Jennings appears to have the inside track for a third running-back role after steady reps and special-teams snaps. Jack Westover, who shifted from fullback to tight end this summer, faces a harder path as additions and existing options reduce his visible opportunities. Will Campbell reinforced early-camp momentum with multiple 1-on-1 wins in joint work.

Defensive flashes and misc. playmakers

The secondary produced mixed results: the Colts completed an 11-play string at one point, yet depth players like John Saunders produced turnovers that keep the competition tight. Inside, Cory Durden stepped up in rotational snaps and youth defenders continued to press for playing time.

Table source: Boston.com / Khari A. Thompson. ‘Up’/’Down’ labels are reporter evaluations based on observed practice plays and coach comments; they do not represent official team roster decisions.

What to watch in the preseason opener

The key item: Vrabel’s plan to limit frontline reps. If Drake Maye sits as indicated, backups and bubble players will receive game reps and the preseason tape will matter more for final roster choices. Expect heavier rotations for slot receivers, rotational defensive linemen and special-teams contributors who performed well in joint practice.

Players listed in the table’s “Up” column can solidify their standing with meaningful preseason snaps; conversely, those who saw their stock fall can use gameday reps to recover. Again: these are reporter judgments based on practice and not formal roster moves.