Patriots: NE places two surprising players on PUP list ahead of camp

The Patriots clearly aren’t satisfied with the offseason injury progress of Sony Michel and Mohamed Sanu.

In recent weeks, Mohamed Sanu has seemed hell-bent on selling himself to Patriots fans after a hellish and injury-marred 2019 season.

He’s worked with Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham. He’s made his journey back from ankle surgery and into the Patriots’ wideout mix very well-documented on social media.

And now, despite everything we’ve seen to the contrary, he’s apparently physically unable to perform, entering the most important training camp since the beginning of his career.

Very unexpectedly, and following a disheartening string of opt-outs on the defensive side of the ball, as well as the OL, the Patriots announced that Sanu, as well as Sony Michel, will not be ready when training camp begins.

Michel’s fifth-year option just got that much less guaranteed, too.

The 2018 first-rounder has been a power back rather than the speed threat he was presumed to be in New England, and his offseason foot procedure will now keep him out once the team reconvenes for 2020.

Sanu, of course, underwent ankle surgery this offseason, and has looked perfectly healthy in recent workout clips he’s disseminated. Of course, this is why we can’t necessarily believe offseason hype clips. Either that, or this move is incredibly precautionary, and the Pats don’t believe the veteran needs a leg up on N’Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd, or Jakobi Meyers.

In addition to these two offensive stalwarts, special teamer Brandon King will also be placed on the PUP before players report.

Everything about this Patriots team, offensively and defensively, will look different entering 2020, and these two players were expected to have ample opportunity to prove themselves more trustworthy with a new era upon them.

Instead, they’re starting off camp on the wrong foot, and a busted ankle. Go figure.