Patriots WR Demaryius Thomas activated from PUP list

Demaryius Thomas has taken a big step forward in his return from a torn Achilles tendon.

Thomas was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported on Tuesday. Thomas was seen on the New England Patriots’ practice field in uniform earlier on Tuesday, leading many reporters to speculate he was ready to be activated.

Thomas was a first-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2010 and played with them until being traded to Houston last season. He struggled to find a role in the Texans’ offense and then suffered the Achilles injury in late December.

New England, which was short on receiving depth, took a risk and signed Thomas over the offseason. There were questions about whether he would begin the season on the reserve/PUP list, which would keep him out the first six games of the season, but he has beaten that timetable.

The Patriots now appear to be in a much stronger position when it comes to their wide receivers thanks to Thomas’ injury recovery and Josh Gordon being conditionally reinstated by the league.

Patriots suddenly have Julian Edelman, Demaryius Thomas, N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Phillip Dorsett and most likely, Josh Gordon to start the season at receiver.

This was previously a spot with ‘no depth.’ The Pats still have work to do at tight end, but things are changing

— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 20, 2019

Thomas had 59 catches for 677 yards and five touchdowns last season.