Sione Takitaki, a first-year player for the New England Patriots, will miss the start of training camp due to recovery from a knee scope, according to a report by Mike Reiss of ESPN. This development led the Patriots to place him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, along with three other veteran players.
The exact duration of Takitaki’s recovery remains uncertain, as it depends on the specifics of the procedure and his healing process, which could range from a few weeks to several months.
Takitaki’s issues began in the spring. After signing with the Patriots as a free agent in March, he participated in the initial stages of organized team activities. However, he was soon observed on the sidelines in street clothes, suggesting that his knee problems emerged in late May or early June.
Regardless of when the injury occurred, Takitaki is currently not cleared to practice. Joining him on the PUP list are wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, offensive linemen Cole Strange and Jake Andrews, and rookie running back Terrell Jennings. Additionally, running back Antonio Gibson was placed on the non-football injury/illness list on Tuesday.
Players on the PUP or non-football injury (NFI) lists can rejoin their teammates at any point during training camp. However, once they are removed from these lists, they cannot be placed back on them even if they get injured again.
Takitaki, 29, signed a two-year deal with the Patriots in March. With a background of 75 games over five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, the former third-round draft pick is expected to compete for the third spot in the linebacker rotation behind starters Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai.
This injury update on Takitaki highlights the challenges and uncertainties teams face with player injuries, especially when adding new members to the roster. His absence at the start of training camp could impact the Patriots’ linebacker depth and preparations for the upcoming season.
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