Training camp is just days away, and Patriots fans soon will get a look at the defending Super Bowl champions as they prepare to begin the 2019 season.
New England reportedly will be missing two key offensive players when they begin camp on July 25. Running back Sony Michel and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas are among the handful of Patriots who will begin camp on the physically unable to perform list, ESPN’s Field Yates reported Sunday.
Michel underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason. He missed all of last year’s training camp and three games for the Patriots due to a knee ailment. The 2018 first-round was a crucial part of New England’s offense, totaling 931 rushing yards and finding the end zone six times in just 13 games. He also rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown in 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
Thomas, meanwhile, is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 16 last season as a member of the Texans. He was cut by Houston in February after playing in just seven games before the Patriots signed him to a one-year deal in April. It’s unclear when Thomas will be cleared to resume football activities.
This is the second time Thomas has torn his Achilles. The 31-year-old suffered the same injury during his rookie campaign while with the Denver Broncos. He returned from the injury in six months, but there’s no telling how he’ll recover a second time around.
Deatrich Wise, Nate Ebner, Ken Webster and Cole Croston also will be on the PUP list to begin training camp, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
The good news for the Patriots, though, is 2018 first-round pick Isaiah Wynn passed his physical, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. The offensive lineman missed his entire first season after tearing his Achilles.
