New England Patriots place four players on PUP list, sign two

The New England Patriots made a handful of roster moves, Monday, prior to the start of training camp later this week.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that the New England Patriots placed four players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, including wide receiver Kenny Britt, safety Nate Ebner, and cornerbacks Jonathan Jones and Cyrus Jones.

Reiss also noted that running back Brandon Bolden would start training camp on the non-football illness list and wide receiver Cody Hollister on the non-football injury list.

Ebner and Cyrus suffered season-ending knee injuries in 2017, and Jonathan had his year cut short during last year’s playoffs.

Cyrus and Jonathan will be entrenched in a fierce position battle at cornerback this summer. Cyrus was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2016 draft and has struggled to find his footing in the pros. He had difficulties as both a cornerback and return man in his rookie season and missed all of last year due to injury. As for Jonathan, he earned four starts at cornerback for the Patriots last season, tallying one interception and eight pass breakups.

The severity of Britt’s injury is considered relatively low. According to The Athletic Boston’s Jeff Howe, he suffered a “tweaked hamstring” and could return to practice “within the week.” Britt is one of 12 wide receivers on New England’s roster and will compete for a role as an outside receiver.

In addition, the Patriots reportedly signed former Texans safety Eddie Pleasant and re-signed wide receiver Devin Lucien, bringing their roster back to the maximum 90 players.

Next: Malcolm Mitchell’s future with Patriots in doubt

Pleasant spent six seasons in Houston’s secondary and finished 2017 with one interception and two sacks. Lucien was drafted by New England in the seventh round of the 2016 draft but has failed to earn a roster spot in two summers with the team.