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Sony Michel, five others starting Patriots training camp on PUP list

Sony Michel is starting 2019 training camp on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, joining five other Patriots.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 25: Sony Michel takes the handoff from Tom Brady of the New England Patriots during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 25: Sony Michel takes the handoff from Tom Brady of the New England Patriots during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

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 SportsDavid Butler II-USA TODAY

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.

Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.