The New England Patriots are not off to a great start. After losing a league-high eight players to opt-outs, the team will have three key players start offseason workouts on the Physically Unable to Perform list. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, those three players are running back Sony Michel, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, and safety/special teamer Brandon King.
The Patriots have placed RB Sony Michel, WR Mohamed Sanu and special teams ace Brandon King on PUP, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 2, 2020
Sony Michel, Two Others Placed on Physically Unable to Perform List
This news shouldn’t come as a huge shock for those that followed New England’s offseason moves. Back in May, running back Sony Michel underwent foot surgery to take care of some nagging pain. The running back should still be ready for the start of the season. Michel began the 2019 offseason on the PUP list after undergoing knee surgery, so this isn’t anything too out of the ordinary.
Michel initially joined the Patriots as a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. After Jeremy Hill tore his ACL in Week 1, Michel became the starter by default. The Georgia product handled starting duties for the rest of the season, recording 931 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 209 attempts. He also added six rushing touchdowns during New England’s postseason run. Last year, Michel led the team with 912 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 247 attempts.
Mohamed Sanu originally joined the Patriots via a midseason trade. Acquired for a second-round pick, the former Atlanta Falcon was supposed to provide some much-needed depth behind Julian Edelman. Unfortunately, Sanu suffered an injury while returning a punt against the Philadelphia Eagles. After missing a few games, Sanu came back to the field but was never his old self. The longtime NFL veteran underwent offseason surgery and should be ready for the start of the season. If he’s not, the Patriots can move on without any dead money hitting the salary cap.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
