2 Patriots Players Are Reportedly Set To Return

This week marks the first that NFL teams can designate players to return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The New England Patriots reportedly did so with two notable members of the organization on Wednesday.

According to multiple reports, quarterback Jarrett Stidham and defensive tackle Byron Cowart practiced for the first time in many weeks on Wednesday afternoon. Both players began their seasons on PUP but have since gotten healthy enough to workout with the rest of the team.

Stidham, a 2019 fourth-round pick, was placed on PUP just before the start of training camp and underwent back surgery a short while after. He played in five games last year, throwing for two touchdowns and one interception.

Stidham will return to the Patriots as the fourth quarterback at practice, with Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer on the active roster, and Garrett Gilbert on the practice squad.

Cowart, 25, played in and started 14 games for the Patriots last season, but was placed on PUP on Aug. 31 with an undisclosed injury. He’s racked up 29 tackles and a single sack since coming into the NFL with New England in the fifth round of the 2019 draft.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick may not have an immediate place for Stidham and Cowart to plug back in, but having them back on the practice field was a welcome sight for the entire organization.

New England was without a few notable players during Wednesday’s workout. DT Davon Godchaux, LB Dont’a Hightower, CB Jonathan Jones and CB Shaun Wade were not spotted at practice, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

The Patriots first official injury report is expected to come out later on Wednesday.

New England will take the New York Jets in an AFC East battle this upcoming Sunday afternoon.

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