By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Patriots running back Sony Michel is starting 2019 training camp on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He joins five other players who aren’t quite ready to get back on the field yet.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Field Yates were first to report the Patriots’ injury absences. Here’s the full list of Patriots starting training camp on the active/PUP list:
OL Cole Croston
DB Nate Ebner
RB Sony Michel (knee)
WR Demaryius Thomas (Achilles)
CB Ken Webster
DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (foot)
Any of these players can come off the PUP list and participate in full at any time. In addition, rookie OL Yodny Cajuste has been placed on the active/non-football injury list. Receiver Julian Edelman is also likely to land on PUP as he misses a few weeks with a thumb injury.
Jan 13, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) rushes against Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins (23) during the second quarter in an AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Michel continues to recover from a knee scope that was considered minor in nature. It’s the second in as many NFL seasons that the former Georgia running back will have to miss time during training camp.
The big beneficiary of Michel’s absence should be rookie back Damien Harris out of Alabama, whom the Patriots drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Bill Belichick knows what he has in veterans James White and Rex Burkhead, while the returning Brandon Bolden will reclaim his role as a special teams regular and reserve back.
One interesting name to watch while Michel is out will be undrafted rookie Nick Brossette out of LSU. Whatever happens from here with Michel, the Patriots’ running back depth is already being put to the test.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.