Why Pop Douglas hasn’t been involved early in Patriots training camp

Through two days of training camp New England Patriots wide receiver Pop Douglas has only taken part in individual drills, while sitting out team drills. We now know that is because of an injury.

On Thursday afternoon Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reported that Douglas is dealing with a hand injury, which has limited him through two days. It's unclear how Douglas suffered the injury, or whether it happened before or during camp.

The fact that Douglas didn't open camp on the PUP or NFI lists - which is typically the case for players rehabbing injuries - could be a sign that the issue isn't severe. Douglas has still caught passes in individual drills, and has spent other periods of practice running on the sideline.

Still, getting Douglas up to speed with the new offense will be important for the Patriots. He projects as one of their most explosive offensive playmakers after an encouraging rookie season that saw him lead the team with 561 receiving yards on 49 catches.

Douglas wasn't the only player limited for the Patriots on Thursday. Defensive tackles Christian Barmore and Davon Godchaux and linebacker/safety Marte Mapu also weren't full participants, although no reason has been reported. Godchaux was a rumored 'hold-in' candidate as he looks for a new contract, but he was a full participant on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Patriots also have five players remaining out on the PUP list. Running back Terrell Jennings, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, offensive linemen Cole Strange and Jake Andrews, and linebacker Sione Takitaki have all yet to practice as they rehab from injuries. Running back Antonio Gibson was activated from NFI on Thursday.