New England Patriots made a bunch of roster moves on Tuesday

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2. Chris Jones and Dane Fletcher were placed on PUP

The physically unable to perform list allows a team to stow away a player for six weeks that isn’t worthy of the injured reserve. It doesn’t count against the 53-man roster total, so it helps teams to trim-down their numbers ahead of these deadlines.

Both of these guys have been on the PUP throughout training camp, so it’s no surprise to see them here. It will be interesting to see how much in the way of playing time Jones and Fletcher get upon their return.

Jones is a bit unfortunate to have missed this preseason because the interior of the defensive line is rapidly taking shape in front of him. The youth of Dominique Easley and Malcom Brown combined with the stout veterans Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga could render Jones unnecessary. To put it simply, the Patriots might not have much reason to keep Jones around even after he is elevated from the PUP.

As for Fletcher, the situation isn’t very different. Unless an injury hits one of the Patriots’ three outstanding linebackers, Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Jerod Mayo will be the top guys with James Morris, Darius Fleming and Jonathan Freeny also in the mix. And who knows, maybe the Patriots will want to bring back the rookie Lynch at some point.

Next: 1. Develin and Roberts on IR