Tag: PUP list

Packers place LT David Bakhtiari on the PUP list

The Packers placed left tackle David Bakhtiari on the PUP list on Saturday.

The Green Bay Packers placed nine players on the physically unable to perform list, and now All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari is joining them on Saturday.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Packers placed Bakhtiari on the PUP list.

His placement on the list is a concerning sign for a player who first injured his ACL during practice on Dec. 31 of 2020, almost 18 months ago.

The five-time All-Pro detailed his long and frustrating recovery from the injury last year. He dealt with swelling and fluid buildup, plus a second operation.

Bakhtiari, who played in just one game last season, wasn’t available during the offseason workout program and instead worked with the rehab group.

Earlier this summer, coach Matt LaFleur was optimistic about Bakhtiari being ready to go to start training camp, but he’s clearly not ready to be on the field.

Players placed on the PUP list can return at any time. Going on the PUP list before training camp keeps open the opportunity to start the regular season on the list.

The players on the PUP list currently: Bakhtiari, Christian Watson, Mason Crosby, Robert Tonyan, Elgton Jenkins, Kylin Hill, Patrick Taylor, Dean Lowry, Randy Ramsey and Hauati Putuatu.

[lawrence-related id=82164]

Packers place 9 players, including Christian Watson, on PUP list to start training camp

The Packers placed nine players on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp. The list includes rookie WR Christian Watson.

The Green Bay Packers placed nine players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list ahead of the start of training camp on Friday.

Among the nine players was rookie wide receiver Christian Watson.

According to the league’s transaction report, the Packers placed Watson, tight end Robert Tonyan, offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, kicker Mason Crosby, defensive lineman Dean Lowry, running back Kylin Hill, defensive lineman Hauati Pututau, outside linebacker Randy Ramsey and running back Patrick Taylor on the PUP list.

All rookies reported to camp on Friday. Watson signed his rookie deal on Wednesday.

While Watson’s inclusion might have been unexpected, the list did have one positive: David Bakhtiari wasn’t on it. However, the veteran left tackle might not be in Green Bay yet and could still be added to the PUP list when veterans report next Tuesday. He’s coming back from an ACL injury.

Tonyan, Jenkins, Hill and Ramsey are all coming back from major injuries.

The PUP list at this time of year is for players unable to practice to open training camp. Players can come off at any time. Also, any players put on the list to start camp are then eligible to start the regular season there.

The Packers also placed three players on the non-football injury list: rookies Rasheed Walker, offensive tackle Caleb Jones and linebacker Caliph Brice. They all have pre-existing injuries from college. The team also released tight end Eli Wolf, clearing a roster spot.

Michael Thomas, Marcus Davenport start training camp on Saints PUP list

As expected, Michael Thomas and Marcus Davenport start training camp on the Saints’ PUP list. What it means for each of them:

This isn’t a surprise, but that doesn’t make it good news. Michael Thomas and Marcus Davenport were designated to the New Orleans Saints’ physically unable to perform list to open training camp, the team reported on Thursday’s update to the daily NFL transactions wire. Both players were sidelined during minicamp earlier this summer while recovering from injuries, and that’s still the case as their teammates report to the Saints practice facility for training camp.

Thomas has missed most of the last two years with a complicated ankle injury. He suffered a setback from surgery in June of last year that required a follow-up corrective surgery in November, and he’s spent the months since working his way back to shape essentially from a blank slate. It’s far from ideal, but if there is a silver lining here it’s that Thomas has been in New Orleans receiving treatment from team trainers — a far cry from last summer’s radio silence. Having him on hand and on the same page with the coaches is an improvement from last year’s experience.

As for Davenport: he endured a series of offseason surgeries to repair the injured shoulder that limited him last season as well as an unrelated procedure to partially amputate his pinky finger, which he first damaged in his college days. Both Davenport and Thomas will be eligible to practice with their teammates as soon as they are medically cleared, and they aren’t expected to miss much time. It just makes more sense to ease them back rather than rush two key players into things before their bodies are ready for it.

Saints veterans aren’t required to report for camp until next week, so more players could join them on the PUP list (or other injury reserves; undrafted rookie Rashid Shaheed is starting camp on the non-football injury list while recovering from a torn ACL) as they arrive and undergo physicals. We already know that second-year pro Payton Turner has been medically cleared for camp, as has perennial Pro Bowl kicker Wil Lutz. Stay tuned for more updates.

[lawrence-newsletter]

Raiders place 3 projected starters on PUP list to start training camp

Three projected starters to start Raiders camp on PUP list

Tomorrow is report day for Raiders veterans, with the first practice taking place on Thursday. Those practices will begin without three players on the field — all of whom are projected starters.

Today the Raiders announced defensive tackles Johnathan Hankins and Bilal Nichols along with cornerback Trayvon Mullen will begin camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Mullen had offseason foot surgery while Hankins and Nichols’s injuries have not been revealed.

The interior defensive line figures to be led by Hankins and Nichols this season. Hankins was re-signed while the former Bears DT Nichols signed as a free agent.

Other defensive tackles vying for playing time in rotation include free agent additions Vernon Butler, Kyle Peko, and Andrew Billings and drafted rookies Matthew Butler and Neil Farrell Jr.

Mullen would appear to have an inside track on one of the starting outside cornerback jobs. Though that job is not guaranteed and missing extended time could give one of the other hopefuls a chance to prove they deserve a shot at unseating him.

The Raiders added several free agent cornerbacks this offseason including Rock Ya-Sin, Anthony Averett, and Darius Phillips. While Nate Hobbs will once again start inside at nickel.

The NFL’s PUP list change could be a big benefit for the Lions in 2022

The NFL’s PUP list change could be a big benefit for the Lions in 2022 with several key performers coming off major injuries

For many years, the NFL has held the same rule for the players on the Physically Unable to Perform, or PUP, list. A minimum of six games needed to be played before a player on the PUP list could begin practicing and kick off the process of returning to action.

Players placed on the PUP list prior to the season would miss at least six games, and many would linger on the list for another 2-3 weeks before activation. In short, it was common for PUP players to miss half the season.

However, the NFL quietly modified the rules for the PUP list this offseason. Now players are eligible to begin to practice after just four games. With no set minimum number of practices to get back into the lineup, PUP players could be back without even missing a quarter of the 17-game season.

That’s big news for the Detroit Lions, who have several players returning from serious injuries that could land them on the PUP list when training camp starts next month.

It’s a lengthy list with some prominent names on it, including first-round pick Jameson Williams. When head coach Dan Campbell declared that Williams isn’t expected to be ready for training camp, that’s a sign the PUP list is under strong consideration for the Alabama wideout, who tore his ACL in January.

It’s less anxiety in the delayed gratification department with Williams, who instantly takes over as the team’s top playmaker when he gets on the field.

Detroit has other players who are coming back from injuries and were not participants in the recent mandatory minicamp, making them potential candidates for the PUP list. While some (notably CB Jeff Okudah) appear ready to roll on time, all these players could wind up physically unable to perform in time for the start of the season:

  • TE Derrick Deese Jr. (UDFA rookie)
  • S DeShon Elliott
  • CB Jerry Jacobs
  • TE James Mitchell (fifth-round rookie)
  • CB Jeff Okudah
  • DE Romeo Okwara
  • WR Jameson Williams (first-round rookie)

The deadline to decide if a player needs to stay on the PUP list into the regular season is August 23rd, just after the team’s second preseason game.

Missing just four games is quite a bit different than six. Keep in mind the Lions have their bye week in Week 5. Using Williams as a hypothetical example, that timing would allow the rookie wideout to return to practice after Week 4 and then have one game week to evaluate his status. The bye week buys an extra week for Williams to get fully ready and back in the lineup for Week 6–the week before he would have been allowed to begin practicing in the past.

[listicle id=78025]

Chiefs open OL Kyle Long’s practice window

Kyle Long remains on the Reserve/PUP list, but the #Chiefs officially opened his practice window on Tuesday.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbwa53mtds520q2 player_id=none image=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

The Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran OL Kyle Long out of retirement this offseason, but he hasn’t played a snap this season due to an injury suffered during OTAs. He started the 2021 NFL season on the Reserve/PUP list as a result.

According to the NFL’s official personnel notice, the Chiefs have designated Long to begin practicing this week. He has been permitted to attend team meetings and rehab at team facilities, but after sitting out for the first nine weeks of the season, he’ll now be back on the practice fields.

Long remains on the Reserve/PUP list, but this move opens up a 21-day practice window. He can now practice with the team and if they deem him healthy enough, he can be activated as early as this week. If he isn’t activated during the newly-opened practice window, the team would have to choose between sending Long to injured reserve or releasing him from his contract.

Long’s return comes at the perfect time for Kansas City with injuries to both right tackles Mike Remmers and Lucas Niang. The 32-year-old veteran played most of his career at right guard, but started a full 16-game season at right tackle with the Chicago Bears in 2015, earning a Pro Bowl selection that season. Should the Chiefs be without Remmers and Niang for any stretch of time, Long is someone who could fill in at that position for Kansas City.

[listicle id=109834]

Chiefs OL Kyle Long eligible to return from Reserve/PUP list this week

#Chiefs OL Kyle Long is eligible to return from the Reserve/PUP list and open his practice window this week.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbwa53mtds520q2 player_id=none image=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

The Kansas City Chiefs could be getting some reinforcements along the offensive line as early as this week.

Kyle Long is free to begin practicing this week after starting out the 2021 NFL season on the Reserve/PUP list. The veteran offensive lineman suffered a tibial plateau fracture in OTA practice during the offseason and it caused him to miss the entirety of training camp and the preseason. He has been allowed to attend team meetings and rehab at team facilities, but after sitting out for six weeks, he’s now allowed to return to practice.

It’s not a guarantee that he’ll return to practice this week, though. Speaking to the media on Monday, Reid didn’t yet have an update on Long’s status.

“I normally meet with Rick (Burkholder) here this afternoon,” Reid said. “So I’ll know more about all of that once we get to that point, but right now I don’t have anything for you.”

Should Long return to practice, a new six-week window will open. He can practice with the team and if they deem him healthy enough, he can be activated from the PUP list and return to play. If he doesn’t return to practice and get activated within the next six weeks, the team would have to choose between sending him to injured reserve or releasing him from his contract.

Long, 32, came out of retirement to sign with the Chiefs this offseason. Should he return healthy, the veteran adds a ton of experience to the offensive line. He started 76 games at right guard or right tackle across seven seasons with the Bears, earning three Pro Bowl selections and one second-team All-Pro selection. Long’s healthy return could even provide Kansas City with the flexibility to trade another offensive lineman ahead of the November 2nd trade deadline.

[listicle id=106120]

Report: Michael Thomas still ‘a couple weeks away’ from playing in 2021

Report: Michael Thomas still ‘a couple weeks away’ from playing in 2021

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”FF9LeDr7q6-1566457-7498″]

We won’t know anything definitive until the first New Orleans Saints injury report drops later this week, but we shouldn’t expect Michael Thomas to be ready to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 25. Or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on Oct. 31.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport threw some cold water on the expected talent injection for the Saints offense coming out of their bye week on Monday.

“Star receiver for the Saints Michael Thomas has been battling that lower leg injury, kind of ankle injury ever since his surgery in the spring,” Rapoport said during an appearance on NFL Live. “I’m told he’s still expected to be a couple weeks away. So that really quick infusion of offense for the New Orleans Saints, doesn’t sound like it’s coming this week or next week.”

This lines up with earlier reporting from NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, who suggested Thomas could need more time to ramp up his workload after not playing football for nine months. Thomas has been working out on his own but has yet to join his teammates for group drills or contact at any level. That’s going to require an adjustment.

And it’s the expectation for most players who start the year on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. They’re forced to be inactive for six weeks before opening a 21-day window in which to practice with the team. Once that window closes they must either be activated to the 53-man roster or sidelined for a continued recovery on injured reserve.

It’s frustrating, but the Saints have gotten this far without Thomas. Their offense is ranked tenth in points per game (25.4) and third down conversion rate (43.1%), with a league-best red zone scoring rate of 92.9%. They can soldier on until November if that’s what it takes.

Tre’Quan Smith should return from injured reserve and offer a boost to the receiving corps by drawing attention away from backups Marquez Callaway, Deonte Harris, and Kenny Stills, even if he isn’t the No. 1 weapon Thomas has proven to be. At this point, maybe the best thing fans can do is keep expectations muted and celebrate Thomas’ return once it happens.

[listicle id=52933]

Texans OT Marcus Cannon returns to practice

Houston Texans tackle Marcus Cannon practiced for the first time in months at Houston Methodist Training Center Tuesday.

HOUSTON — Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon is close to making his long-awaited return to the gridiron. Houston Texans’ coach David Culley announced Tuesday morning that Cannon would practice with the team “on a limit basis” for the first time since organized team activities in May.

Cannon underwent a minor knee procedure in June that sidelined him all of training camp and preseason. During camp practices, Cannon spent the majority of his time working out on Houston’s rehabilitation field, alongside teammate Lane Taylor. According to Culley, Taylor will remain on the Texans’ physically unable to perform list.

With Cannon becoming active, his return to the field will alter Houston’s offensive line. He will likely take the helm as Houston’s right tackle — the position second-year offensive lineman Charlie Heck held since camp began.

“I like playing right tackle,” Cannon said. “That was fun. I got into a really good rhythm. I like playing guard, on the right side playing guard. I’ve played the left side too, but I don’t really have a super favorite position. I’m just happy to be out there. I’ll play any position they want me to play. I’m just happy to be a Texan.”

As expected, Michael Thomas to begin season on Saints PUP list

As expected, Michael Thomas to begin season on Saints PUP list

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=none image=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

We knew this was coming. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the New Orleans Saints are expected to put wide receiver Michael Thomas on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to open their 2021 season, sidelining him for at least six weeks. Fortunately, in his case that means exactly six weeks instead of six games — meaning he’ll be eligible to join the team after their Week 6 bye, suiting up as soon as Week 7’s prime-time road game with the Seattle Seahawks.

Of course he must continue recovering from reparative surgery on his injured ankle between now and then. Thomas buried the hatchet with Sean Payton early in training camp and joined his teammates on the sidelines for their first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens (he was rehabbing his injury in nearby Philadelphia at the time), and it appears all of their differences have been set aside. Once he’s healthy and given the green light to return to work, it shouldn’t take long for Thomas to reassert himself as one of the NFL’s best receivers.

[listicle id=48701]