Belichick: Collins Excused From Thursday's Practice, 'No Issues'

BOSTON (CBS) -- If you were worried that Jamie Collins' absence from Thursday's practice was the start of a messy contract holdout, rest easy.

Bill Belichick took the podium at Gillette Stadium on Friday and extinguished any concern about Collins with three short sentences.

"He was excused," Belichick said of Thursday's absence. "He's here. No issues."

Collins was the only player not on an injured list to miss the first practice of training camp. The Pro Bowl linebacker was present for OTAs and mandatory minicamp leading up to camp, so his absence raised a few eyebrows, given he is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

But Belichick quickly dismissed any worries on Friday, and Collins was back on the practice field with his teammates a few minutes later.

Belichick also noted that despite the chance of rain, the Patriots will be practicing outside on Friday. Maybe Collins picked the wrong day to stay home.

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• Bill Belichick
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