Prior to training camp, Armond Armstead was placed on the non-football illness list.
That was concerning, since heart issues at USC are what kept the defensive lineman from being selected in the NFL draft in 2012. Armstead played a year in the CFL, then was signed by the Patriots this offseason.
Bill Belichick said his current status is different from the heart issue, though.
“No, I think it’s a different situation,” Belichick said when asked if his placement on the list was related to past issues.
Armstead participated in OTAs and minicamp, so it was surprising to see him out for the start of training camp. The NFI list works similar to the PUP list. As soon as Armstead steps onto the field to practice, he’s removed from the list. If he starts the season on NFI, he doesn’t count toward the 53-man roster and he can’t come off until after Week 6.
