A hot-button issue arises

The team did not provide an explanation for their departures, although neither player appeared to have gotten injured. Linebacker Tedy Bruschi said, “You had guys passing out because of the heat.’’

“They took him off the field for precautionary reasons due to the heat,’’ said Ohrnberger’s agent, Joe Linta. “He was given several bags of IVs and he responded favorably to that. The Patriots were very proactive and we appreciate that in this type of situation. He should be fine, if not tomorrow then the next day.’’

According to the National Weather Service, the high temperature yesterday in Foxborough was 90 degrees. That was the temperature at 3:53 p.m. The Patriots started practice at 3:45.

Larger players are particularly prone to heat exhaustion. The NFL has grown more sensitive to the issue following the death of Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Korey Stringer, who died of heatstroke one day after collapsing during a practice in July 2001.

“Of course, it’s definitely dangerous and that’s why players have to know their bodies,’’ said 330-pound rookie defensive lineman Ron Brace. “You have to know how your body works and how you can work for your body and you have to do whatever you can - eat right and hydrate more, especially for climates like the heat and humidity.’’

Running back Fred Taylor said he always takes precautions before a practice. “Even when you don’t feel like drinking, you have to drink, you have to always try and hydrate,’’ he said.

Taylor said it’s scary to see offensive linemen succumb to the heat.

“Because of the history with guys in the league at that position when they get the heat exhaustion they have to cool themselves down,’’ he said. “It’s a little scary, but at the same time as players we have to follow protocol and do the necessary things to try to stay cool. We all hope those guys are feeling fine right now.’’

Galloway said learning the offense has been an adjustment but he is starting to feel more comfortable.

“It’s just different. Every system is different,’’ he said. “Each system at this level is complex. When you’re the new guy on the block you have to learn things and try to catch up. With these guys here, they’ve been doing it and doing it well for a while now, so for a new guy to come in and try to learn it and then try to do it at their speed is tough, and it’s a lot of work. I’ve come a long way and I’ve got a long way to go.’’

Galloway said he gained a lot from playing at game speed during the first exhibition Thursday night against Philadelphia. He said his timing was off on a would-be Tom Brady touchdown pass that bounced off Galloway’s arm.

“That was one of the things that happened faster than what I expected,’’ said Galloway. “With Tom’s arm, believe me, if you are a millisecond off of turning your head that ball will be past you. That ball hit me in my arm before I could see it was coming, so you have got to be on your game every single play. That was one where the timing was a little off on my part, so I have to learn from that.’’

The Patriots could have a tough decision in naming Lonie Paxton’s replacement.

“I think both players are capable of doing the job,’’ said coach Bill Belichick. “Who would be better at it? That may depend on what you’re talking about because you’re talking about punt snapping and protection, coverage, field goal snapping and protection.

“So depending on which one of those areas you want to talk about there may be a different ranking of the players and those rankings could change over the next few days, few weeks. But I think it’s competitive, and I think we’re working with players that are capable of doing it.’’

“We’ve definitely got the personnel to do it now,’’ said Warren. “We’ve got a lot more experienced guys. We’ll see where it goes.’’

Warren said there have been times when the team has practiced the 4-3 extensively and ended up not making it the primary defense.

“I’ve made too much of it before and then we went back to base [3-4],’’ he said.

Mike Reiss of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Christopher L. Gasper can be reached at cgasper@globe.com.