The Sports Xchange

The New England Patriots on Monday placed defensive tackle Dominique Easley and seven others on the list for the physically unable to perform.

Easley, the team’s 2014 first-round draft choice, played in 11 games as a rookie but struggled with a surgically repaired knee that ultimately forced the Patriots to put him on injured reserve in December.

Easley suffered two torn ACLs at Florida and underwent surgery before the 2014 draft. He reportedly did not require surgery this offseason.

Also placed on the PUP list Monday were special teams captain Matthew Slater, wide receiver Brandon LaFell, offensive lineman Ryan Wendell, linebackers Dane Fletcher and Chris White and defensive tackles Vince Taylor and Chris Jones. Quarterback Matt Flynn was placed on the non-football injury list.

Avoiding the list were linebackers Dont’a Hightower, Jerod Mayo and Jamie Collins, defensive end Chandler Jones, right tackle Sebastian Vollmer and defensive tackle Sealver Siliga. All but Collins sat out organized team activities this offseason.

The Patriots report to training camp Wednesday.

Players can come off PUP at any time during the preseason; but, if they remain on the list once the season begins, they must sit out six games.