Dont’a Hightower, Alan Branch start Patriots training camp on PUP list

Nancy Lane | Boston Herald

On to 2017.

The New England Patriots training camp gets underway this week, with the first scheduled practice to take place on Thursday, July 27.

Players are beginning to report already, but two notables are starting training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Linebacker Dont’a Hightower and defensive tackle Alan Branch were both placed on the list.

Hightower was present for both voluntary and mandatory workouts this summer, but did not participate in them. He has had shoulder and knee issues in the past and ended up missing three games last season. The 27-year-old has only played one full season without injury in his five-year career.

Hightower is currently signed to a four-year extension with more than $17 million guaranteed in the offseason.

Branch was not present for the team’s voluntary offseason program. He attended the mandatory minicamp last month, but did not practice with the team and conducted his own workouts on the side.

Branch signed a two-year deal this offseason that included $3 million in guaranteed money.

Players who are on the PUP list are not allowed to practice with the team but can come off the list at any time.

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