Breaking Down Patriots PUP List

I speculated a couple weeks ago about which Patriots would start the season on the PUP list. With the announcement of who’s on the list coming over the weekend here’s a quick breakdown of each player and what it means for them and the team.

Sony Michel – Not that much of a surprise though it’s surely vexing for many Patriots fans out there who are already growing tired of Michel’s knee issues after he was taken in the first round. Michel had another “clean up” this offseason after getting one during last season as well. It’s amazing though how quickly we forget Michel’s epic playoff run. You’d think he might get a little leniency but that’s not how it works around here with first-round picks. I’m fine bringing Michel along slowly, especially because it will give rookie third-rounder Damien Harris a chance to show what he can do. And if Burkhead can stay healthy they might even consider giving Michel the first six weeks of the season off. If he’s there when it counts in January the Pats will be in a good spot.

Dietrich Wise – Wise was banged up during the final days of minicamp and his appearance on the PUP list is a bit of a disappointment. He was emerging down the stretch as a potential three-down player and a key for the defensive end group that is looking to replace Trey Flowers. Wise could be in line for a breakout season in his third year and the Pats certainly need him back sooner than later to solidify their edge group.

Demaryius Thomas – Coming off a torn Achilles, Thomas isn’t a surprise to start on the PUP list and it might make the most sense to let him take his time and bring him back in October. That would give rookie N’Keal Harry a chance to shine and open the door to guys like Maurice Harris, Dontrelle Inman and Braxton Berrios to get more snaps. As I’ve written before, I’m not sure what to expect from Thomas this year, could be nothing, could be a lot.

Nate Ebner – Another player who was MIA at minicamp, Ebner is a key cog for the special teams. Given his history and how tough he is, I’d expect his stay on the PUP list to be short no matter what he’s dealing with.

Cole Croston – Croston has a real chance to get some playing time this year, but he’ll have to win a tackle job and, as the saying goes, “you can’t make the club from the tub.” With limited tackle depth vying to replace Trent Brown and LaAdrian Waddle, the Patriots could really use Croston back asap.

Ken Webster – The rookie cornerback already had a near-impossible task of cracking the Patriots incredible depth at the position. Every day he misses will make things harder and harder. Perhaps this is just a way to get the ball rolling on a redshirt IR year for Webster since he’s so buried on the depth chart.

Yodny Cajuste – Another tackle, Cajuste had quad surgery this offseason and actually starts on the Active/NFI list and can return as soon as he’s healthy. Cajuste is in the same boat as Croston. Both are important depth players this season that the Patriots could very well need to rely on. Especially for a rookie, it’s vital to get back on the field as soon as he can. If he does he could very well lock down the swing tackle role, one of great importance without an experienced blocking tight end on the roster post-Gronk.

Also of note is who is not on the PUP list and the two headliners are Isaiah Wynn and Patrick Chung, two vital players to the team. Wynn is coming off a torn Achilles last preseason while Chung broke his arm in the Super Bowl and had a “clean up” shoulder surgery over the offseason as well. The Pats can bring Chung along slowly, taking a longer look at Obi Melifonwu.

As for Wynn they don’t really have a choice but to throw him into the mix, especially until Croston and Cajuste are able to play. Wynn will be one of the most interesting players to watch in camp.