Big news in camp as the Patriots have brought two of their most important players off the Physically Unable to Perform designation. Wide receiver Aaron Dobson and defensive tackle Dominique Easley were activated for their first practices on Monday.
Dobson is recovering from foot surgery back in March and is the Patriots top outside wide receiver. He's missed a considerable amount of time so his activation is a good sign if he is to have an impact early on in the season.
Easley is recovering from his second ACL tear in the past three seasons. He was the Patriots first round pick and is a devastating disruptor up the middle of the field. His return and growth will absolutely help the Patriots defensive tackle position, which could miss Chris Jones for a couple weeks. I don't expect Easley to be thrown into the fire opening week and I wouldn't be surprised to see him brought along similar to Jamie Collins last season.
Additionally, tight end Rob Gronkowski participated in his first 7-on-7 drills, which means he's a step closer to contact and actual football.
Don't expect any of these three players to play against the Eagles this Friday the 15th, or even the Panthers on Friday the 22nd. I'd keep Thursday, August 28th against the Giants, circled on the calendar as a date that will determine how much of an impact these players will have out of the gate.