Aaron Dobson, Alfonzo Dennard on Patriots’ PUP list

When Field Yates reported that Aaron Dobson and Alfonzo Dennard would be on the Patriots PUP list, the immediate response on Twitter was not that of excitement. Fans weren’t happy their young wide receiver and cornerback were on the list. They were ecstatic that their tight end was not — though Yates did not report whether that list was final.

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Last season at this time, Rob Gronkowski made the PUP list. Gronk, who is seemingly always recovering from injury or surgery every offseason, had surgery to his ACL after injuring it last season. Again, there is a chance he is a last minute addition to the list between now and Thursday.

The two who are on the list will be in tough spot when they return. While many think the Patriots wide receivers are not particularly talented, the group seems to be at a similar age level and experience. He is one of three second-year receivers. The team signed Brandon LaFell in the offseason. The top option of the quadruped — Dobson, LaFell, Josh Boyce and Kenbrell Thompkins — will likely get a great deal of playing time. The bottom option has the distinct possibility of getting cut. Dobson, a former second-round selection, is the least likely to get cut.

Dennard has a equally crowded but more talented pool of players to compete with. He, Logan Ryan, Kyle Arrington and Brandon Browner are all jockeying for playing time beneath the No. 1 Darrelle Revis. While Dennard was the No. 2 corner for much of last season, the complexion of the secondary looks different. He may see significantly less field time, even with Browner’s four-game suspension.

Any of the players placed on the PUP list can be take off it at any time.