Checking In With Key Players On the NFL PUP List
Impact Players on the NFL PUP List
With training camp well underway for the 2022 NFL season, there are a number of high impact players who currently reside on the PUP list — short for physically unable to perform. As the season approaches, let’s take a look at who some of these players are and where they’re at in their recovery process.
Michael Thomas Finally Appears To Come Back
Despite the Saints initially placing wide receiver Michael Thomas on the PUP list when training camp began, he has already come off the list to start practicing. His return means he will be playing for the first time since the 2020 season after missing the whole 2021 season due to surgery for his high ankle sprain. If Thomas can return to even half the form of before his injury when he led the league in receiving yards and made the all pro team, it will provide a huge boost to the Saints offense. Saints fans should feel excited to see him back along with new weapons Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry, who will create a much more threatening attack for opposing defenses.
Saints WR Michael Thomas had a very productive practice Tuesday, targeted often by both Andy Dalton and Ian Book in 7-on-7 and full-team drills and catching all of ‘em.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 9, 2022
Injuries to Bakhtiari, Watson Leave Packers Undermanned
After tearing his ACL in 2020, Packers left tackle Bakhtiari only played in one game the whole 2021 season. The two time first team all-pro had another surgery this offseason, and while head coach Matt LaFleur said he’s doing well, neither he, GM Brian Gutenkust, or Bakhtiari himself would put a timetable on his return. In addition to Bakhtiari, rookie wide receiver Christian Watson underwent an offseason surgery and is currently on the PUP list. The Packers hope for Watson to become a receiving threat after losing star wide receiver Davante Adams in free agency, however, Watson’s injury will keep him behind. With two key players dealing with injuries, Packers fans should hope Aaron Rodgers has enough of a supporting cast to start the year.
Key CB’s Denzel Ward and Tre’Davious White Are On Track With Recoveries
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward started training camp on the PUP list after sustaining a foot injury back in minicamp, and is not quite ready for practice. However, Browns fans can take a deep breath as the 2021 pro bowl corner will reportedly be ready for week one. Also in the AFC, Bills CB Tre’Davious White hopes to return from the torn ACL he suffered on Thanksgiving last season. Head coach Sean McDermott said that White’s recovery is on schedule, which will be key as the Bills are the popular favorite to win the super bowl. While McDermott did not give a specific timeline or date for White’s recovery, he looks like he’s on track to come back and play opposite of rookie cornerback Kaiir Elam after Levi Wallace departed in free agency.
Lowest passer rating allowed in coverage since 2019
🥇 J.C. Jackson: 48.0
🥈 Stephon Gilmore: 65.2
🥉 Tre’Davious White: 67.8 pic.twitter.com/lbYYYpNnmE— PFF BUF Bills (@PFF_Bills) August 6, 2022
Chase Young Needs More Time From ACL Tear
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera recently reported that star edge rusher Chase Young will most likely not be ready to start the season. The 2020 defensive rookie of the year had a bit of a sophomore slump last year with only 1.5 sacks in nine games before tearing his ACL in week 10. Coach Rivera emphasized that most importantly they do not want to rush Young back on the field too soon and before he’s ready, so Commanders fans will have to adjust to the idea of starting the season without Young. If the Commanders place Young on the injured reserve to begin the year, this would mean he has to miss at least four games, and other players on the defense will have to step up in his place.
"I know he's dying to get back out here."
Terry McLaurin on Chase Young after first training camp practice🔽 pic.twitter.com/pL01VxERWM
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) July 27, 2022
