Daniel Fells and Sebastian Vollmer will come off PUP
The activation of Sebastian Vollmer and Daniel Fells from the Physically Unable to Perform list is imminent, a source told us on Saturday.
Fells, who reaggravated a knee injury he suffered with the Denver Broncos, has been down since before minicamp back in June.
Vollmer's exact issue this summer has not been verified by Comcast Sportsnet. He's battled a balky back in the past, though, and that could have been the reason he's been down.
This news broke yesterday, and it's very good news. Both of these players have yet to practice after starting camp on the PUP list.
One of the most glaring weaknesses of this supposedly perfect bound team has been the offensive line after its abysmal performance in the first preseason game. Granted the starting unit that took the field in that game was missing three of its normal starters.
Logan Mankins has since returned, and while Brian Waters likely won't be back until just before the start of the season, Vollmer should provide a big boost to the right side of the line.
Of course, the knock on Vollmer is, how long can stay there without getting injured again. The young German tackle has consistently battled injuries the past couple of years.
Daniel Fells could also provide some much needed depth behind Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Last year the Patriots could have really used that. They spent most of the year, including the Superbowl, with only two tight ends on the roster.
Visanthe Shiancoe was signed after Fells was injured during minicamp, yet he has missed 14 practices out of 18 with injury. The only other tight ends the Pats have on the roster are undrafted rookie Tyler Urban and defensive end turned tight end, Alex Silvestro. Fells' activation likely means he will make the cut and the Pats will carry three tight ends.
