The New England Patriots saw quarterback Jarrett Stidham and defensive tackle Byron Cowart return to practice on Wednesday after starting the season on the physically unable to perform list.
Both players had been dealing with back injuries, with Stidham undergoing surgery during training camp.
Stidham joins a quarterback group that includes Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer. It’s likely Stidham, when fully healthy, will leapfrog Hoyer as the team’s backup. Hoyer and Stidham had been locked in a battle for QB2 in 2020 behind Cam Newton — Stidham came out on top.
Cowart joins a defensive tackle group that includes Davon Godchuax, Lawrence Guy, Christian Barmore and Carl Davis. Because Henry Anderson ended up on IR, it’s likely Cowart can return to contribute this season.
PUP list members Jarrett Stidham and Byron Cowart are back practicing.
Not spotted: Dont’a Hightower, Jonathan Jones, Shaun Wade, Davon Godchaux.
Mike Onwenu was still repping at tackle during the media window. pic.twitter.com/ERzubbwTkI
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) October 20, 2021
New England kicks off against the New York Jets at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Both players are eligible to be on the active roster.
