The New England Patriots’ training camp is about to kick off, and the anticipation is marred by a significant setback: several key players are sidelined before the action even begins. As rookies have already landed in Foxboro and veterans are gearing up to join them, the spotlight has shifted to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which includes some notable names. This early designation means these players can’t take the field yet, though they’re still involved in other aspects of training camp, like meetings and strength exercises. Crucially, they can be activated at any time before the roster is trimmed down to 53 players in late August.
Among the list of injured players, Carlton Davis and Mack Hollins stand out. ESPN’s Mike Reiss revealed the full roster of sidelined athletes in a recent tweet, noting, “WR Mack Hollins, TE Austin Hooper, OT Vederian Lowe and LB Jahlani Tavai are opening camp on active/PUP list,” alongside “CB Carlton Davis III, S Josh Minkins and WR Jeremiah Webb” on the active/non-football list. This development is worrying, particularly regarding Hollins’ condition. Signed in March to a two-year deal, the 31-year-old was expected to be a veteran stabilizer in a shaky receiving corps. The lack of information about his injury leaves his return date uncertain, raising concerns about his availability as a key offensive asset.
Carlton Davis’s situation is equally concerning. Placed on the NFI list for unspecified reasons, Davis’s absence could extend into the regular season, potentially sidelining him for at least four games if not resolved. CBS reports that while on the NFI list, “Davis won’t be able to practice or participate in preseason games, but he can be activated whenever he’s medically cleared.” As a seasoned cornerback signed this March, he was anticipated to bolster the Patriots’ defense in his debut season with the team.
The challenges don’t end there. Vederian Lowe and Jahlani Tavai, both returning Patriots, find their positions under threat. New arrivals like rookie Will Campbell and veteran Morgan Moses challenge Lowe’s spot, while Tavai faces competition from recent signee Robert Spillane and emerging linebackers eager to make their mark. Starting the season on the bench could jeopardize their standing within the team.
Rounding out the PUP list are undrafted rookies Jeremiah Webb and Josh Minkins, who signed with the Patriots earlier this year. Minkins, a 22-year-old with college experience from the University of Louisville and the University of Cincinnati, and Webb, who transitioned from FCS South Dakota to the University of South Alabama last season, both face an uphill battle. Webb’s impressive stats from his senior year—36 catches for 649 yards and five touchdowns—show promise, but his path to making a name for himself in the NFL faces an immediate hurdle.
As the Patriots’ camp kicks off, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how the team manages these early challenges. The road to a successful season might be bumpier than anticipated, but the unpredictability of football means anything can happen once the whistle blows.
