Patriots place three rookies on NFI list
Three of the Patriots’ eight draft picks may not be on the field to start training camp. On Wednesday, the team placed running back Rhamondre Stevenson, linebacker Cameron McGrone, and safety Joshuah Bledsoe on the NFL’s non-football injury (NFI) list.
Injuries suffered by rookies in their previous college season qualify players for the NFI list (it really should be called ‘the non-NFL injury list’). Players on NFI may not practice and still count against the 90-man roster, but can be activated at any point before the start of the regular season. If they’re still on NFI after roster cutdowns, they no longer count against the roster but can’t be activated for at least six weeks, similar to PUP.
Stevenson was a fourth round draft pick, and participated in spring practices. The details of his injury are unknown, but running backs coach Ivan Fears told reporters in May Stevenson was “fighting through a couple nagging things.”
After picking McGrone in the fifth round, Bill Belichick told reporters the 21-year-old is unlikely to play in 2021 as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered in November. McGrone was present during OTAs and minicamp but did not participate in drills.
Bledsoe, a sixth-round pick from Missouri, broke his wrist at the Senior Bowl and underwent surgery before the draft. He took limited practice reps this spring, working while wearing a cast on his right arm.
The Patriots first training camp practice is one week away, on Wednesday, July 28.
Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
