PUP-ies

Before training camp kicked off, the Patriots placed five players on the physically unable to perform list, PUP for short: DE Ty Warren, OLB Shawn Crable, OT Mark LeVoir, and rookies OG Rich Ohrnberger and DT Darryl Richard. Joining them on the sideline is rookie receiver Brandon Tate on the active/non-football injury list.

All these players are available to return whenever the team determines the individual is ready to play. In fact, Richard was removed from the PUP list today and participated in his first camp practice.

When the other players return is anyone’s guess. If a player enters the season on PUP, they can’t return until after week six.

In all likelihood, all the players on PUP or NFI will eventually make it to the field before training camp ends. Camp is just a week old and there are four preseason games to play.

That’s plenty of time for the remaining inactive players to return to action.

But some players need playing time more than others.

The exception of the group is Warren. We know what we’ll get from him when the games are real.

Everyone else has something to prove.

Crable is falling behind in the competition for the starting OLB position. While the numbers have been whittled down some, he’s losing ground to Pierre Woods and Tully Banta-Cain. Recently Rob Ninkovich was added to the mix. Crable was my favorite entering camp, but he’s been unable to establish himself.

LeVoir, a reserve offensive tackle, should be worried about the three O-lineman drafted by the Patriots, as they could make him expendable. Second round draft pick Sebastian Vollmer is making a good impression, playing both left and right tackle spots well so far.

Ohrnberger and Richard are in similar boats. Neither is guaranteed to make the team that has plenty of depth along both lines. At least Richard is finally on the field. He needs to catch the eye quickly. Ohrnberger’s sliver of opportunity gets smaller with every passing day.

As for Tate, who’s recovering from ACL surgery, his position might be safe, as it looks like the third round pick is in the Patriots future plans. WR Joey Galloway signed a one-year deal. By the time Tate is fully recovered, the path could be clear for him to become the third receiver. Not that he should go buy a home now. Brandon’s best bet is returning to action and validating the third round selection New England invested in him.

Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com