‘Coach Steph’: Stephon Gilmore has contributed in new ways amid injury

The New England Patriots defense has looked solid in their first week of training camp practices, but the absence of Stephon Gilmore on the field still has many wondering what their ceiling could be.

Gilmore was placed on PUP prior to the start of camp, as he recovers from the torn quad that ended his 2020 season. Many have also speculated that he is holding out for a new contract, and both he and the team are using PUP to avoid fining the cornerback for missed practices.

Despite the team’s potential monetary disagreement, the former Defensive Player of the Year has been around and is still helping out his teammates, according to cornerback coach Mike Pellegrino.

“Right now, he’s ‘coach Steph.’ He’s working the other part of his game. Working off the field, trying to get better, he’s rehabbing. He’s getting there,” Pellegrino said Wednesday. “Taking it one day at a time, but in the meantime, he always helps the younger guys. He’s doing his part. He’s being a good teammate, you know. He’s been great in the room.”

New England’s cornerback depth without Stephon Gilmore leaves J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, and Joejuan Williams as potential starters. And, while Bill Belichick would love to see his 2019 second-round pick make that jump, he hasn’t shown much to prove he’s at that level just yet.

The Patriots would greatly benefit from Gilmore’s return sooner rather than later, but it’s nice to know he’s still invested in his team and the guys around him.