The Miami Dolphins announced on Friday that cornerback Byron Jones (Achilles) would start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Jones, who signed with the Dolphins in 2020, dealt with quad and Achilles injuries last season.
Jalen Ramsey, meanwhile, received an active designation on the PUP list, still counts against the roster during training camp, and can return to the field when he’s taken off the list. If he remains on the PUP list following final cuts, he will miss — at least — the first four games of the season on the list.
What Byron Jones’ PUP list designation means for Dolphins secondary
Jones has a cap number of $5.87 million this season. The 30-year-old defensive back will be given time to return to the practice field as the Dolphins take a look at their younger talent in the secondary. That said, Elijah Campbell won’t be one of those defensive backs, as he was placed on the non-football injury list on Friday.
The Dolphins have a bunch of young cornerbacks who will compete for jobs this summer, and Jones’ absence, while likely temporary, will give them more time to shine. 2020’s first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene will work opposite three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard with Jones out.
Keion Crossen, Nik Needham, D’Angelo Ross, Kader Kohou, Trill Williams, and Quincy Wilson will battle for depth spots.
Rams place Jalen Ramsey on PUP
Jones isn’t the only high-priced cornerback starting training camp on the PUP list. All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey (shoulder) was also added to the list by the Los Angeles.
This move was expected, as Ramsey underwent surgery this offseason. The 27-year-old cornerback is coming off a Super Bowl win with the Rams and will be eased back onto the practice field this summer. As with Jones, if Ramsey can’t return from PUP before the start of the season, he will miss the first four games of the season, at minimum.
Ramsey signed a five-year, $105 million contract extension with the Rams in 2020. He has a $23.2 million cap number this season.
Along with Ramsey, the Rams put three other players on the PUP list. Linebacker Travin Howard (groin), running back Kyren Williams (foot) and safety Quentin Lake (undisclosed) will also start camp on the sideline.
Cardinals placed TE Maxx Williams on PUP list
In other PUP news, Arizona Cardinals tight end Maxx Williams was placed on the list on Friday. Williams, who primarily serves as a blocking tight end, suffered a season-ending knee injury last year. The Cardinals were able to recover at the position by trading cornerback Tay Gowan and a fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for former Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz, who re-signed with the team this offseason.
The Cardinals have plenty of depth at tight end to compensate for Williams’ absence. Along with Ertz, the Cardinals will stage a competition for depth jobs with Deon Yelder, Trey McBride, Stephen Anderson, Chris Pierce Jr., Bernhard Seikovits, and David Wells.
Like Jones in Miami, Williams can be taken off the PUP list whenever he is cleared to play. If he remains on the list beyond final cuts, he will miss — at least — the first four games of the season.
The Browns to place WR David Bell on PUP
Like Jones and Williams, Cleveland Browns wideout David Bell is also expected to be placed on the PUP list, according to PFN Insider Aaron Wilson. Bell, a Purdue alum, was a third-round pick in April.
Bell caught 232 passes for 2,946 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns during his three seasons at Purdue. With Bell out, Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Jakeem Grant, and Ja’Marcus Bradley will get plenty of reps.
Cooper and Peoples-Jones are expected to start outside for the Browns, while Grant will work the slot. Bell and Bradley are expected to fill out the depth chart. Michael Woods II, a sixth-round pick, is also competing for a spot with a trio of undrafted rookies and Anthony Schwartz.
Ravens and Packers pack the PUP list
The Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens packed their PUP list with several players on Friday. The Packers designated nine players, while the Ravens added six.
First, the Ravens placed running backs J.K. Dobbins (knee) and Gus Edwards (knee), linebacker Tyus Bowser (Achilles), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), cornerback Marcus Peters (knee), and safety Ar’Darius Washington (foot) on the list as active members of the PUP list, so they’ll still count against the active roster.
Then, the Packers placed second-round wideout Christian Watson, linebacker Randy Ramsey, tight end Robert Tonyan, guard Elgton Jenkins, defensive linemen Dean Lowry and Hauati Pututau, running backs Kylin Hill and Patrick Taylor, and kicker Mason Crosby on the PUP list.
As with everyone placed on the PUP list, all of these players can return to the practice field at any time if they are taken off the list. If they are still on the list by the start of the season, they’ll miss four games, at minimum.