Welker placed on PUP list

By Tom E. Curran
CSNNE.com

Wes Welker's recovery has been motoring along, but not so quickly that he'll be full-go at the start of training camp.

Welker was one of three players placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, according to Mike Reiss at ESPN Boston.  

Outside linebacker Shawn Crable and rookie defensive lineman Kade Weston are also on the list. That's bad news on Crable especially because his first two seasons in New England have been obliterated by injury. He can't afford to miss any time with the amount of competition at that spot.

A player can be taken off the PUP list at any time during preseason and begin working with the team but while on the list, he cannot participate in any team drills.

This move by the Patriots is contrary to reports from 98.5 The Sports Hub last week that Welker would be a full participant from the outset of camp. Maybe Welker could take part fully if the Patriots wanted to push it but they are going the safer route.

From what I'd heard previous to the 98.5 report, Welker will ease into training camp but may well play in at least one preseason game.

Tom E. Curran can be reached at tcurran@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Tom on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tomecurran