ESPN’s Mike Reiss was the first to report the New England Patriots PUP list to start training camp. All players can be removed from this list at any time. Below is the list and some quick analysis.
PUP list:
WR Kenny Britt - It’s funny how quickly reports can ebb and flow. Britt was standing out during minicamps in May before injuring his hamstring, but he showed enough that the Patriots were comfortable enough to start shopping Malcolm Mitchell. Well, now Britt is physically unable to perform, while Mitchell is apparently ready to rock.
Update: Well, let’s change this again. Mitchell’s season could be over per ProJo’s Mark Daniels, while The Athletic’s Jeff Howe suggests Britt could be back this week.
SS Nate Ebner - Ebner tore his ACL late November last year and it makes sense that the Patriots are taking their time to bring him back from such a serious injury. It wouldn’t surprise me if Ebner remained on the PUP list until after the first six weeks of the season to ensure he’s fully healthy. The Patriots have enough depth on the roster at both his defensive position and his special teams role.
CB Cyrus Jones - Cyrus tore his ACL last preseason, so it’s notable that he’s not yet ready to return. Hopefully this is merely precautionary and that Jones will get a chance to showcase his ability this preseason. Per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, he could be cleared this week. Otherwise, it’s not a good sign for his odds of making the team.
CB Jon Jones - Jon injured his Achilles in the postseason against the Tennessee Titans so he was a long shot to make it back in time for camp. Like Ebner, Jones is a candidate to remain on the PUP list until the middle of the season.
ST Matthew Slater - ESPN’s Field Yates filed a late report that Slater will start camp on the PUP list. This shouldn’t be too big of a concern and Slater can return at any point.
Non-football injury list:
WR Cody Hollister - Not sure what’s happening here, but this isn’t good for a player that is already a longshot to make the roster and should have eyes on the practice squad.
Non-football illness list:
RB Brandon Bolden - Hopefully Bolden is healthy enough to return shortly.