Doug Mann
2 min read • August 29, 2024
Posted in
As we gear up for the 2024 NFL regular season, a significant number of players find themselves on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) and Non-Football Injury (NFI) lists. These lists are crucial, as they determine which players are unable to participate in the early weeks of the season due to injuries sustained either during NFL activities or outside of them.
Before diving into the specific players on these lists, it’s essential to understand the rules governing them:
PUP List: This list is for players who suffered injuries during NFL activities before training camp. Players placed on the Reserve/PUP list must sit out the first four games of the regular season. Afterward, teams have a five-week window to allow these players to start practicing. Once practice begins, teams have an additional three weeks to decide whether to activate the player or keep them on the PUP list for the remainder of the season.
NFI List: The NFI list is similar to the PUP list but applies to players who were injured outside of NFL activities. These injuries could occur during personal workouts, accidents, or even from pre-existing conditions that players had before joining the NFL.
As the 2024 season kicks off, several notable players are on the Reserve/PUP and NFI lists. Here’s a look at some of the key names:
Baltimore Ravens
Keaton Mitchell (RB, PUP): The Ravens will miss Mitchell's explosive potential in the backfield, at least for the first four weeks.
Carolina Panthers
Jonathon Brooks (RB, NFI): Brooks' absence due to an injury sustained away from NFL activities will impact the Panthers’ depth at running back.
D.J. Wonnum (OLB, PUP): Wonnum's pass-rushing presence will be missed early on.
Amaré Barno (LB, PUP): Barno's absence weakens the Panthers' linebacker corps as they head into a critical part of their schedule.
Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb (RB, PUP): Chubb’s placement on the PUP list is a significant blow to the Browns' rushing attack.
Nyheim Hines (RB, NFI): Hines' injury, sustained outside of NFL facilities, will keep him out, reducing the Browns' depth in the backfield.
Jedrick Wills Jr. (OT): Wills will be activated off the PUP list, a crucial move for the Browns’ offensive line stability.
Jack Conklin (OT): Conklin passed his physical and is coming off the PUP list, bolstering the Browns’ protection upfront.
Denver Broncos
Drew Sanders (LB, PUP): Sanders’ absence is a blow to the Broncos’ defensive depth.
Delarrin Turner-Yell (S, PUP): The safety’s early season absence could impact the Broncos’ secondary.
Detroit Lions
Christian Mahogany (G, NFI): The Lions will miss Mahogany’s presence on the offensive line, especially in the run game.
Kansas City Chiefs
Charles Omenihu (DE, PUP): Omenihu's absence early in the season will affect the Chiefs' pass rush.
BJ Thompson (LB, NFI): Thompson’s injury limits the Chiefs’ linebacker rotation.
Los Angeles Rams
Tyler Higbee (TE, PUP): Higbee's absence creates a void in the Rams’ passing game, particularly in the red zone.
Miami Dolphins
Isaiah Wynn (G, PUP): Wynn’s absence on the offensive line could be a concern for the Dolphins, especially in protecting their quarterback.
Cam Goode (LB, PUP): Goode’s presence will be missed in the Dolphins’ linebacker unit.
Bradley Chubb (EDGE, PUP): Chubb's placement on the PUP list is a significant blow to the Dolphins' pass-rush capabilities.
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, PUP): Beckham’s absence delays his much-anticipated debut in the Dolphins' receiving corps.
Minnesota Vikings
T.J. Hockenson (TE, PUP): The Vikings will miss Hockenson’s playmaking ability early in the season.
New England Patriots
Cole Strange (OL, PUP): Strange’s absence affects the Patriots' offensive line depth.
Kendrick Bourne (WR, PUP): Bourne’s absence limits the Patriots’ receiving options as the season begins.
Written by Doug Mann
