So… who just pissed in my cornflakes?
I just saw on the SportsSpyder wire that the Jets have put Teague (no suprise), but also Curtis Martin and Justin McCareins on the PUP list.
What the heck is a PUP? Check Wikipedia's PUP entry:
A rule in the NFL which allows teams to designate players as “Physically Unable to Perform” or “PUP”. Once they are designated as such, they are prohibited from practicing with the team. They can, however, rehabilitate and participate in team meetings. If a player begins training camp on the PUP list, they can be moved to the active roster at any time, even after one practice. A player is not allowed to be placed on the PUP list if they start training camp on the active roster.
Gotta say, that I didn't see THAT one coming, which might explain why Ferg ran like a bat out of hell away from reporters today. As dire as this sounds, this is a shrewd move for the front office, which gives them more flexibility as they enter camp, versus doing it tomorrow. Certainly Martin doesn't need the reps as much as McCareins might, so pay more attention to how long McCareins stays on the PUP.
Don't panic. This may not be as bad as it sounds. We knew from the previous mini-camps that Martin and McCareins had missed time so were not 100%.
The Jets are probably being cautious with both since they are veterans and don't (as you say) need the reps as much as some of the younger guys.
They may just be day to day, but there is nothing to lose by placing guys on the list prior to camp. I believe this means we can carry a few extra bodies, although I'm not 100% sure on that (if not, then why would anyone ever do it?)
Ferguson's act of escapology was probably just him messin' with them, I guess. No need to panic yet – unless and until much worse news comes out.