Patriots Training Camp Blog: Ochocinco Suits Up, No Practice Haynesworth Yet
FOXBORO (CBS) - Chad Ochocinco took part in the afternoon practice and he's got his number 85.
The Patriots announced the trade and he was out on the field taking part in drills.
Read: Who Gets 85 And How Much Will It Cost?
OCHOCINCO ARRIVES - 9:30 a.m.
The most newsworthy item coming out of Bill Belichick's press conference Friday – the Patriots were still in the process finishing deals with Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco, so he would not comment on them.
Check: NFL Free Agency Tracker
He did mention though, that because of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, any player who gets a new deal cannot practice with the team until August 4th.
Read: Guide To Patriots Training Camp
If either has their contracts re-done, they can only watch on the sidelines for now. But for now, it looks like Ochocinco will hold off on signing a new deal, which allows him to practice.
Read: Roche - Judge Haynesworth, Ochocinco Deals Later
UPDATE 10:16 a.m.
So minutes after Belichick mentioned that Ochocinco cannot be on the practice field because of the new CBA, he was out on the field talking to Tom Brady.
He may have been doing an isolated workout. No number, just sweats. He went into the huddles to hear plays, but he did not take part.
"I've known Chad for a long time. I've watched him for a long time and he brings a lot of energy to the team," Brady told reporters afterwards.
"I think he's had a bunch of production over the years and hopefully he can come in here and find a role on this team."
Ochocinco did not talk to reporters.
"I talked to him earlier," Brady said "He's excited to be out here and I think he's excited to be part of a new team."
"It's always good to work against good competition. We've got a lot of talented wide receivers. I'm just going to get the work in, whoever they put in front of me. ...His route-running is unique from any [other] receiver," cornerback Leigh Bodden said.
"If he helps the team, it's going to be great for the team. He's a pretty good receiver and I'm looking forward to working with him. ...[If] there's a better player out there, it's going to make other guys better," wide receiver Julian Edelman said.
Brady also talked briefly about Albert Haynesworth and a big preseason hit he absorbed two years ago.
"I saw him this morning and I told him, 'I still haven't forgiven you for that.' He said he's got a lot of friends up here and they've given him a lot of grief over the years."
OCHOCINCO EFFECT - 9:04 a.m.
At 33 years of age, Chad Ochocinco was a steady producer for the Bengals last year. He has always been a big fan of Bill Belichick and now he gets a chance to play for him. By pairing him with Wes Welker and Deion Branch, it gives Tom Brady a strong group of veteran receivers. Also, tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski should also benefit from a more spread out game.
Now this move is going to hurt 3rd year receiver Brandon Tate and second-year man Taylor Price.
After Randy Moss' departure last year, Tate was unable to develop into that consistent deep threat. That role now will partly go to Ochocinco. Taylor Price has been slowed by injurues and now his job could basically be to sit back and learn.
The next big item on the Ochocinco agenda will be his jersey. Aaron Hernandez is number 85 and I am sure Chad is going to want to wear his namesake number. Expect some money or jewelry to change hands, so Chad will play with 85 on his back.
