As the New England Patriots get set to open up NFL training camp on Thursday, they’ll do so with star linebacker Dont’a Hightower and defensive tackle Alan Branch on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The move is largely procedural and the pair can be activated at any time.
Per the NFL transaction wire, Patriots placed Donta Hightower and Alan Branch on PUP to start camp. Not a big deal, mostly procedural
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) July 24, 2017
Both players were largely held out of offseason workouts, practicing on other fields, according to a report by Mike Reiss of ESPN. The Pats re-signed Hightower to a four-year deal this year and his health is among the biggest factors in the Pats defensive success this year. The Jets and Steelers courted Hightower in free agency but reports are surfacing that they were concerned over his health status. He has missed 11 games over the past three years.
Branch was a consistent pass rusher last year and re-signed with the team on a two-year deal in the offseason. The Pats first game of the year is September 8th against the Kansas City Chiefs.
