Patriots Huddle: Tuesday's News, Notes & Links 7/22
 Aaron Dobson will start training camp on the PUP list. (USA TODAY Images) |
Some news and notes for this morning:
DOBSON, EASLEY AMONG PLAYERS TO START ON PUP:
The names of players who will be starting training camp on PUP came to light on Monday, with receiver Aaron Dobson and rookie Dominique Easley among players who will be under that designation to begin training camp on Thursday.
Other players who will be joining them will be cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, receivers Jeremy Gallon and Matthew Slater, along with running back Roy Finch, linebacker Deontae Skinner and tackle Chris Martin. Each of those players count toward the team’s roster limit of 90 and any of them are eligible to come off at any time during the preseason.
PATRIOTS COME IN AT NO.4 FOR PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS:
One of the more meaningless stats is where the team is ranked heading into the preseason and ProFootballTalk.com's Josh Alper has New England coming in at number four as camp looms.
Alper writes that the Patriots had a pretty good defense in 2013 without Darrelle Revis and adding him should make them better. He also cites the return of Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo, who should both make a big impact.
As for weaknesses, the receiver position is Alper's biggest question with a host of young players who have yet to manage any significant production, along with the loss of LeGarrette Blount at running back.
Despite the ranking, Alper still feels the Patriots will be in the conference title game again this season.
PATRIOTS SHUFFLE D-LINEMEN:
The Patriots made a couple of roster moves on Monday, releasing defensive lineman Seali’i Epenesa and replacing him by signing Eathyn Manumaleuna, also a defensive lineman.
Manumaleuna is an interesting signing primarily because the former BYU standout, who had previously been signed as an undrafted free agent earlier by the New York Giants before being released, has a couple of family members who have played professional football. According to the Boston Globe, Manumaleuna’s uncle (Frank Manumaleuga ) and cousin (Brandon Manumaleuna ) both played in the NFL.
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
PATSFANS.COM:
Patriots Training Camp Player Spotlight, Darrelle Revis - Steve Balestrieri: Balestrieri has a pre-camp spotlight on Revis, who will likely be in the spotlight with fans when camp opens on Thursday.
ESPN BOSTON:
Keeping tabs on injured Patriots - Mike Reiss: Reiss has notes on some of the injured players, which includes some updates on each.
BOSTON GLOBE:
Notes: Patriots shuffle roster before camp - The Globe has notes on the team's roster moves on the defensive line on Monday.
10 Questions Headed into Patriots Training Camp - Zuri Berry: Berry has his questions for camp, including whether or not the tight end position is changing for the Patriots.
BOSTON HERALD:
Good news: Gronk not on Pats' PUP - Jeff Howe: Howe has an article on Gronkowski, who fortunately won't start this year on PUP.
CBS BOSTON:
Patriots Tight End Preview: Gronk Determined, But Depth Remains A Concern - Matthew Geagan: Geagan spotlights the tight end position in his preview, with the lack of depth something that remains concerning.
WEEI:
10 things to keep an eye on at Patriots training camp - Christopher Price: Price has his 10 things to watch at camp, which includes how well the relationship continues to develop with the younger receivers.
MASSLIVE:
New England Patriots Roster Bubble Watch: WRs Kenbrell Thompkins and Josh Boyce are in the same boat - Nick O'Malley: O'Malley looks at the two receivers, with both battling for a roster spot when training camp starts.
CSNNE:
Is this Brady's last chance to win a Super Bowl? - Gary Tanguay: Tanguay has an interesting column this morning pondering whether or not with Revis' massive option next season if this is their best chance to win it all.
PATRIOTS.COM:
Happy New Year! What to Watch for in Training Camp - John Rooke: Rooke has his column on what to look for in camp this week and wonders if Gronkowski will still be "Gronktastic".
BLEACHER REPORT:
Patriots Training Camp: 5 Early Storylines to Watch - James Christensen: Christensen has a good column looking at five storylines for camp, including the fact this is a key contract year for several running backs.
BROCKTON ENTERPRISE:
Patriots camp checklist: what to know for your sneak peak in Foxboro - Glen Farley: Farley has some notes on what fans need to know when they arrive in Foxboro Thursday.
WASHINGTON POST:
What you need to know about the AFC East - Cindy Boren: Boren has a glance at the AFC East which includes a couple of quick thoughts on the Patriots.
