Lamar Miller debuts at Patriots practice, clearing PUP list

Lamar Miller would be spotted by reporters on the fields behind Gillette Stadium on Monday. And, for the first time since agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with the New England Patriots, not as a spectator.

Participating in practice signals that the former Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins running back has been removed from physically unable to perform.

Miller, 29, had been placed on the active-PUP list on Aug. 13 as he continued to work back from a torn ACL suffered versus the Dallas Cowboys last preseason.

The University of Miami product has amassed 5,864 rushing yards, 1,565 receiving yards and 40 touchdowns dating back to his arrival in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft.

“Of course, you know Lamar missed the season last year and is coming off last year’s injury, so we’ll see how that goes,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said shortly after training camp got underway. “But hopefully he’ll be able to work his way back onto the field, and we’ll see where he’s at.”

Fellow running back Sony Michel, who also began camp on physically unable to perform after undergoing a foot procedure in the spring, returned to practice last week. Neither is eligible to spend the initial six weeks of the regular season on the reserve-PUP list in result.

New England’s depth chart also includes Damien Harris, James White, Rex Burkhead and undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor with the league’s 53-man roster deadline set for 4 p.m. ET on Sept. 5.