By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots will likely start training camp with two of their most important offensive players watching from the sidelines.
As first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, the team placed running back Sony Michel and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu on the ‘Physically Unable to Perform’ list Sunday afternoon. Linebacker and special teams ace Brandon King was also added to the list.
Michel is recovering from offseason foot surgery. The 25-year-old started last season on PUP as well. He still managed to play in all 16 games in 2019, rushing for 912 yards on 247 carries with seven touchdowns.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu #14 of the New England Patriots scores a second quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 3, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
Sanu suffered an ankle injury soon after being traded to the Patriots early last season. Following off-season surgery, the 30-year-old receiver has been seen rehabbing and practicing in a number of workout videos on social media, but it appears he’s not quite ready for camp.
King missed all of last season after tearing his quad in a preseason game. The 27-year-old spent the four previous seasons playing a key special teams role for Bill Belichick.
The PUP list is for players who are recovering from football-related injuries suffered during the previous season or in the offseason. Players on the list do count against the 80-man roster total, but are not eligible to practice. They can be moved off PUP at any time during training camp. If not activated by the final cut down, they stop counting against the roster total but cannot be activated for six weeks.