Patriots Daily
Patriots Daily: Five Players Start Training Camp on PUP/NFI Lists
The New England Patriots have the excitement of 2024 training camp getting underway. There is a new coaching staff and a lot of new players. And despite projections that this will be another down year for the Patriots, there is always reason for optimism on the first day of camp.
However, there is also some bad news for New England. Five players are beginning camp on either the PUP or NFI lists, preventing them from being participants in camp for now. The players are RB Antonio Gibson, WR Kendrick Bourne, OG Cole Strange, OL Jake Andrews, and LB Sione Takitaki. Before getting into specifics, it is worth noting that players can be removed from either list at any time.
Patriots Out of Action
Cole Strange’s absence was expected. He continues to rehab from a knee injury (torn patellar tendon) suffered last season. Jerod Mayo classified him as “month to month” when asked about Strange’s availability in the spring. It would not be surprising to see him begin the season on the inactive list.
Kendrick Bourne was held out of team activities in the spring as he recovered from a torn ACL. Reports indicated he would be ready for the start of training camp, though that was an optimistic projection. It is very possibly, perhaps likely, he begins the season on IR alongside Strange.
The three other players are a bit more of a surprise. Antonio Gibson was placed on the NFI List. This indicates he suffered an injury away from the team. Gibson is entering his first camp with the Patriots after signing a three-year deal in free agency. The team expects Gibson to be a third-down (receiving) back with the ability to spell Rhamondre Stevenson when needed. The nature of his injury is unknown.
Jake Andrews cannot afford to miss time. The second-year interior offensive lineman is fighting to keep his roster spot. He was a limited participant in the spring. Guards Nick Leverett and Atonio Mafi took snaps at center. The Patriots also have UDFA center Charles Turner III in camp.
Finally, Sione Takitaki is reportedly recovering from a knee scope performed over the summer. This does not sound like anything that should keep him out of action for a prolonged period. Like Gibson, this is his first training camp with his new team, so Takitaki wants to get back in action ASAP.
Any status changes on any of these players will be updated as soon as more information is known.
Also in Wednesday’s Patriots Daily:
Patriots Fact of the Day
Today New England Patriots legend Steve Grogan turns 71 years old. Many people remember the Grogan years as being dreadful for New England, but Grogan was 75-60 as a starting QB for the Patriots.
When Grogan retired in 1990 he held the single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (12, 1976). The record stood until Cam Newton broke it in 2011. Now Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts are tied for the record (15).
Steve Grogan also held the record for most career rushing touchdowns by a QB during the Super Bowl Era (35). However, that total has since been tied multiple times. Grogan is tied for eighth in the Super Bowl Era (with Randall Cunningham and Aaron Rodgers) and tied for twelfth in NFL history.
Post of the Day
A look at one of those Steve Grogan rushing touchdowns, courtesy of our friend Honest Larry:
Happy birthday Steve Grogan. One tough summamabitch.
— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) July 24, 2024
Patriots Football Now Coverage
Meet the 2024 New England Patriots Undrafted Free Agents– The New England Patriots have a proud history of undrafted free agents excelling with their franchise. Current Patriots UDFAs include David Andrews, Jonathan Jones, and Brendan Schooler. Meet this year’s crop of undrafted free agents heading to training camp. Is there another diamond in the rough?
Kelley: Pre-Training Camp Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection – Before training camp gets underway, I attempted to project how the Patriots would narrow their 90-man roster down to 53. How did I do?
Patriots 90-Man Roster Spotlight: Sione Takitaki – The veteran signed with the Patriots in free agency. His versatility as a linebacker and core special teams player makes him an idea replacement for Mack Wilson Sr. What kind of impact can Takitaki have on this year’s squad?
NFL Coverage
CBS Sports – Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is reporting to training camp. However, the quarterback is not happy about his contract situation. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel calls the situation “very fluid.” What is the latest on Miami’s franchise quarterback’s situation?
NFL.com – New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has been fully cleared for contact in camp. Jones faces a crucial season in determining his future with the franchise and perhaps in the NFL. Getting back on the field is a good first step.
Steelers Now – San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is reporting to training camp. The star receiver has been rumored to be on the trading block all offseason due to unhappiness with his current contract. His reporting possibly puts a dent in teams like the Steelers and Patriots pulling off a trade for Aiyuk.
Boston Bruins
Boston Hockey Now – Boston Bruins trade target…New York Islanders forward Oliver Wahlstrom. The forward has struggled for the Islanders, but a fresh start in Boston could work out well for both sides. What would it take? It is possible? Does it make sense?
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