The New England Patriots have placed veteran running back Lamar Miller on their physically unable to perform (PUP) list, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.
The Patriots’ signing of RB Lamar Miller is official, and the team is starting him on the active/PUP list. Miller can come off at any time.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 13, 2020
Miller, who signed a one-year contract with the Patriots on Monday, will be able to come off the PUP list as soon as he passes a physical. The 29-year-old running back missed all of last season with a torn ACL injury in the 2019 preseason with the Houston Texans. However, he has said that he has fully recovered from his injury and is ready to play this season.
Throughout his career, Miller has proven to be a productive dual-threat back, surpassing 870 rushing yards in five consecutive seasons from 2014-18. In 2018, Miller had a phenomenal season with the Texans, recording 1,136 yards from scrimmage on 235 touches and scoring six touchdowns in 14 games. Furthermore, he made his first Pro Bowl that season with the Texans.
Miller will likely compete with 2019 third-round draft pick Damien Harris and James White for a depth role at the running back position this season. Patriots starting running back Sony Michel, who’s also on the PUP list, could likely miss the beginning of the season due as he's still recovering from an offseason foot surgery.
Nevertheless, if Miller is healthy, he could potentially be a big signing for the Patriots. New England reportedly signed Miller on a cheap deal, so it's a low-risk, high reward signing for the AFC East club.
The Patriots are scheduled to play their first regular season game against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.
