FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Jacas intel: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel didn't fully divulge details surrounding the absence of second-round pick Gabe Jacas from last week's mandatory minicamp, one of the more unusual stories across the NFL.
Vrabel acknowledged the linebacker had a procedure, has yet to sign his contract and wasn't with the team. What he didn't say is why Jacas needed a procedure, how long he has been absent and what this means for his rookie season.
Here's what we know:
Jacas reported to the Patriots' facility for rookie minicamp May 7 and was watching from the sideline in his blue No. 50 jersey when media members were present for the second day of rookie minicamp on May 9.
At that time, Jacas and first-round offensive tackle Caleb Lomu were the Patriots' lone unsigned draft picks. But Lomu, like the majority of other unsigned picks across the NFL, participated in practice anyway. Jacas didn't, which reflects that he wasn't medically cleared to practice.