The release of the PUP list, those who are physically unable to perform at the start of training camp, is often a surprise and can ruin some of the initial excitement of camp kickoff. Some years there are players that we thought were healthy that are suddenly not available.
Yes, some significant names are still recovering from last year’s campaign, but it won’t be enough to move the Patriots’ position on top football betting sites.
Players can come off of the list at any moment, and sometimes it’s just a matter of needing additional tries to pass the conditioning test (hello fatties). So there’s no reason to panic, but it’s worth regrouping on who was unavailable during last month’s minicamp to get a sense of who might still be rehabbing.
Here’s who was absent or working out off to the side in June, and what the impact might be if they are PUP’d just before training camp gets open.
ABSENT
Kenny Britt — Britt was injured during minicamp, though he walked off under his own power. He missed the rest of the sessions and now we hold our breath to see if it was just a scare for the talented veteran receiver. His size and potential are unique on the roster and he showed he was earning Tom Brady‘s trust before going down. I really hope he’s back and healthy for the start of camp, he could be a breakout player.
Joe Thuney — Thuney was missing in action after getting offseason foot surgery. It wasn’t expected to keep him out this season, but if he starts on PUP it could open the door to Isaiah Wynn (also recovering from surgery). As long as Thuney is out there by early August, I’d expect him to retain his job as the starting right guard this season.
Brandon Bolden — The Pats re-signed Bolden but he’s been missing from OTAs as he recovers from something. Bolden might not take an initial roster spot but is the kind of veteran that could always find a roster spot. His value in New England is far greater than it would be anywhere else.
David Jones — A rangy free safety, Jones spent all of last year on the practice squad. He could push Jordan Richards for a roster spot, but he seems likely to start on PUP since he wasn’t seen during minicamp.
REHAB/LIMITED
This group is on the fence. Some were taking snaps during minicamp but had days where they were more focused on working out separately on the lower field.
Malcolm Mitchell — Mitchell could be facing a make-0r-break year. After missing all of last season, Mitchell was still in and out of activities during the offseason. Will he ever be a day-in, day-out player? Or will his knee need to be managed for the rest of his career?
Jason McCourty — Most of us pencilled in McCourty as the Malcolm Butler replacement, but he’s been an observer through the offseason. Not sure what he’s recovering from and that makes it a bit curious. Really interested to see where he is when camp opens.
Cyrus Jones — Jones tore his ACL last preseason and continues to rehab the injury. His punt return skills have almost been forgotton about, but with a roster spot open for a returner, Jones could still contribute. With so much corner depth now it might make most sense to bring him along slowly and hold on to him as insurance after week six.
Jonathan Jones — Jones was lost to a ankle/foot injury against the Titans in the divisional round and continues to rehab after surgery. He saw time in the slot last season, a first after being a special teamer as a rookie. Now, with an influx of young corners, including slot corner Duke Dawson, Jones will be in a dogfight to see defensive snaps again this season.
Keion Crossen — After getting reps with the top group at OTAs, Crossen joined the rehab group in minicamp, delaying his development and allowing JC Jackson to ascend to his spot. The 7th-rounder’s roster potential hangs in the balance of getting back on the field asap.
Braxton Berrios — Berrios recovered from a torn ACL at the end of high school in record time, but we’re not sure what’s holding him out right now. No position needs snaps more than a wide receiver, especially a rookie trying to win Tom Brady’s trust. With Berrios very much on the roster bubble, he needs to get out there and stay out there.
Marcus Cannon — Cannon’s season ended last year due to an ankle injury and he continues to rehab from surgery. With the team looking for their next left tackle, having Cannon back to lock down the right side is critical.
Malcom Brown — Brown battled a foot/ankle injury last season and appears to still be recovering. Couldn’t find if he had surgery or not, but it’s a safe bet he had it cleaned up. Brown is the top defensive tackle though the Pats have good depth behind him with Lawrence Guy and Danny Shelton. The sooner he’s back the better for the defense.
Nate Ebner — Ebner tore his ACL after a spectacular one-man effort on a fake punt in late November of last season. A special teams ace, there would be no harm in starting Ebner on PUP and perhaps keeping him on the PUP for the first six weeks of the season.
Trent Brown — Offseason shoulder surgery limited Brown in mincamp and could start him out on PUP. For a new player possibly making a switch to a new position (LT from RT) Brown can’t afford to miss much time. I’m especially curious to see if he passes the conditioning test on the first try.
Isaiah Wynn — Wynn also had shoulder surgery this offseason which could delay the start of the top pick’s career. As much as I want Wynn to be the guy at left tackle, the more I’ve reflected on it, the more I think he’s a swing backup this season as they figure out where he best fits. Getting healthy will only make that outcome more likely.
