Week 7 is the earliest players placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list at the end of training camp can practice. On Wednesday, two of the Patriots’ PUP players made their 2021 practice debuts.
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham and defensive lineman Byron Cowart were both on the field with the team for Wednesday’s practice. Neither has been on the field officially since spring workouts. Having them practice starts the clock on their return – the team now has 21 days to add them to the active roster, or they’ll be ineligible to play for the remainder of the year.
Stidham was placed on PUP just before training camp with a sore shoulder, then underwent back surgery a few days later. The 2019 fourth-round pick played in five games for the Patriots last season, throwing two touchdowns and an interception. With Stidham returning the Patriots now have four quarterbacks present at practice with Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer on the active roster, and Garrett Gilbert on the practice squad.
Cowart played in and started 14 games for the Patriots last season. The 2019 fifth-round pick was placed on PUP before the start of training camp with an undisclosed injury.
The Patriots also had four players not spotted at the media portion of Wednesday’s practice in Dont’a Hightower, Davon Godchaux, Jonanthan Jones, and Shaun Wade. The first injury report of the week is expected later today.
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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 abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
