Two Patriots Offensive Weapons Placed On PUP List As Training Camp Opens

Three Patriots players were added to the physically unable to perform list prior to entering training camp. Running back Sony Michel and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu were placed on this list Sunday. Both players continue to recover from their offseason surgeries. Special teams-focused linebacker Brandon King missed the 2019 season due to a torn quad. He was also placed on PUP.

Michel has been dealing with a lot of knee ailments. However, he played in all 16 games last season and rushed for 912 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 3.7 yards per carry. In his rookie campaign in 2018, Michel was averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

The Patriots will enter training camp under specific circumstances

The Patriots signed Sanu ahead of the 2019 NFL trade deadline. He sustained an ankle injury on a punt return during the third game with the Pats. Sanu missed one game but the injury affected his performance throughout the season. The veteran wideout was able to catch a total of 12 passes on 24 targets for 99 yards and no touchdowns in the Patriots’ final five games. He had one catch on five targets for 11 yards in the playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans.

King joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He hasn’t played a defensive snap in his career. However, the 27-year-old ranks in the top five among the Patriots players in special teams snaps in each of the four pro seasons. Brandon Bolden decided to opt out of the season and this gave King more chances to keep his spot on the 53-man roster.

Football players can ber emoved from the PUP list at any point. The Patriots need both Sanu and Michel on the field. They have key roles on the field and Bill Belichick has great plans for them in 2020. It will be the most challenging season for the team.

A group of players have decided to opt out of the season. Some of them are key players and the Patriots head coach will have to make some changes in the winning formula. Let’s see how will the team handle the beginning of the regular season.