Patriots' Demaryius Thomas: Could start season on PUP list

Thomas (Achilles) is a candidate to open the coming season on the Patriots' reserve/PUP list, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The wideout is already included on the preseason PUP list, but if Reiss's prediction comes to pass, Thomas would be slated to miss the Patriots' first six regular-season games. Such an outcome remains speculative, but bringing Thomas along slowly seems like the logical approach given the nature of his Achilles' injury. Additionally, stashing Thomas on the PUP list to start the season would give the team some valuable roster flexibility early on. Once Thomas does return to practice, he won't be guaranteed anything, but if he's able to recapture some of his pre-injury form, he could carve out a regular role in the New England offense. The 31-year-old is unlikely to approach the lofty numbers he put up for Denver a few years ago, but he's a savvy pro with good size (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could put to good use in the team's passing attack.