Gronk, Ballard, Edelman and Nick McDonald to PUP; Armstead to NFI

[Rob0729]

The training camp PUP list means little at least for the first week or two. Many times players are held out of early camp for a precaution.

Talk to me mid August.

 

[Kontradiction]

Gronk and Edelman I expected. Not Ballard. Not worrying about it, though. In the end, it could actually be a good thing for Brady and the new guys (specifically the rookies).

 

[BSR]

The training camp PUP list means little at least for the first week or two. Many times players are held out of early camp for a precaution.

Talk to me mid August.

I think for some this is a matter of being ready to take the conditioning test. Every year there are plenty that start on the PUP that come off at varying times. McDonald was there last year as were Mankins, Vollmer, Fells and some others.

That being said, I sure hope Armstead comes off soon.

 

[50-yard-line]

What are the restrictions/rules of NFI? Anyone hear anything at all about Armstead?

 

[Oswlek]

What are the restrictions/rules of NFI? Anyone hear anything at all about Armstead?

NFI is exactly like PUP with two exceptions:

1) The team isn't obligated to pay the salary (AFAIK the Patriots always have).

2) The injury wasn't football related.

Other than that, it is the same, meaning he can be taken off at any point and if he stays on into the season they can bring him back after 6 games.

 

[patsinthesnow]

So Hoomanawanui is the first team TE at TC?

 

[PatsFan2]

The only one thats troublesome is Jake Ballard...a year off and still hobbled??? Here's hoping we see more Three WR sets we have the bodies and it makes us alot Faster on Offense. I have a feeling we are never going to get to know Jake Ballard.

 

[PatsFan2]

So Hoomanawanui is the first team TE at TC?

Who?

 

[Kontradiction]

According to Nick Underhill, Armstead is actually "Non-Football Illness".

 

[jah]

Who's going to play center other than Wendell? Will Connolly shift when others come in? Can one of the others play center that isn't listed as one?

 

[Oswlek]

The only one thats troublesome is Jake Ballard...a year off and still hobbled??? Here's hoping we see more Three WR sets we have the bodies and it makes us alot Faster on Offense. I have a feeling we are never going to get to know Jake Ballard.

Microfracture is apparently a much more serious surgery than most ACL injuries require, involving a longer recovery.

I also read this over on Patriots Planet regarding Armstead:

On Armstead, it may have something to do with Armstead's hrt condition or lawsuit against USC. Judge has given a July 31 deadline for USC to cooperate with Armstead's attys for depositions.

So it could be more related to the case than any physical issue with him.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Can they be take off pup at Ny time?

 

[RI Patriots fan]

3. Ballard returns: Tuesday was our first opportunity to see Jake Ballard on the field as a Patriot, and the well-built tight end didn't appear to be showing the effects of his major knee injury suffered in Super Bowl XLVI. Ballard did spend part of the on-field session working on resistance running with a team strength coach, but was able to participate in the majority of practice reps. Ballard was functional athletically before the injury, carving his niche as a tough run blocker with dependable hands in the passing game. He still isn't a speed tight end, but he looked reliable again as a pass catcher.


Observations from Tuesday OTA - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[Kontradiction]

3. Ballard returns: Tuesday was our first opportunity to see Jake Ballard on the field as a Patriot, and the well-built tight end didn't appear to be showing the effects of his major knee injury suffered in Super Bowl XLVI. Ballard did spend part of the on-field session working on resistance running with a team strength coach, but was able to participate in the majority of practice reps. Ballard was functional athletically before the injury, carving his niche as a tough run blocker with dependable hands in the passing game. He still isn't a speed tight end, but he looked reliable again as a pass catcher.


Observations from Tuesday OTA - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[Oswlek]

Can they be take off pup at Ny time?

Yes, they can be taken off in a New York Minute.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

According to Nick Underhill, Armstead is actually "Non-Football Illness".

Said NFI would be his heart attack.

As noted above, it could have been done for logistical or even legal reasons (related to Armstead's lawsuit, as above).

 

[Rob0729]

According to Nick Underhill, Armstead is actually "Non-Football Illness".

He could have the flu then.

 

[Jimke]

NFI will be a good way for the Patriots to redshirt Mark Harrison.

 

[BadMoFo]

Ballard was cleared.

Colleague @FieldYates reports that Patriots TE Jake Ballard passed his physical and is off the physically unable to perform list.

 

[Kontradiction]

Ballard was cleared.