Rob Gronkowski, Vince Wilfork avoid the PUP list, other big names do not

Alfonzo Dennard has a lot of thinking to do, as he won't be able to participate in camp at first

One of the biggest questions for the Patriots heading into training camp is who would actually be suiting up?

The fact that the team was ravaged by injuries in 2013 means that there are a lot of recovering players right now. Here's the full list of players who certainly won't be suiting up.




What is more notable are the names that are NOT above. That is, tight end Rob Gronkowski, defensive lineman Vince Wilfork and linebacker Jerod Mayo. They were easily the three biggest injuries on the team last season. Gronk in particular may be the most important of all, as he is virtually the only elite weapon the team has on offense (sorry Julian Edelman). Gronk recently stated that he was looking to play in the season opener this year.

This is good news, but it doesn't mean any of these guys won't end up on the PUP somewhere down the line, like say, tomorrow.

The bad news now. Alfonzo Dennard is still nursing a shoulder injury, which puts him on PUP. He shouldn't be in danger of being cut this year, but he has struggled with injuries in his short career and the last time he was on the field he was getting destroyed by Demayrius Thomas play after play in the AFC Championship game. If he can't get on the field in training camp, he could be on the outside looking in with as deep as the cornerback position has gotten.

Aaron Dobson's designation aligns with what we've heard from recent reports, saying that it was doubtful he'd be ready for camp. The offense will grealy need the second year wideout to improve this year if they want to have any semblance of the firepower they could put on the field just two years ago.

The non-football injury designations aren't exactly surprising, though I'm sure Patriots fans are anxious to see first round pick Dominique Easley get on the field, as well as the exciting Roy Finch.

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