FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots placed veteran running back James White, who suffered a right hip injury in September 2021 that required surgery, on the physically unable to perform list Thursday.
This means White, 30, is not yet cleared to practice. He can be activated at any time.
He was one of five players placed on the PUP list Thursday, along with starting center David Andrews, reserve safety Jabrill Peppers, slot cornerback Jonathan Jones and reserve linebacker Raekwon McMillan.
White was walking with a noticeable hitch in his gait at a team charitable foundation event last week.
"Just working so I can be the best player I can be whenever I step out on that field," he told ESPN.
White suffered the initial injury in a Sept. 26 loss to the New Orleans Saints when he was tackled and landed on the hip. He spent the remainder of the season on injured reserve.
The Patriots re-signed White as a free agent this offseason, giving him a two-year contract that included $500,000 guaranteed. White did not fully participate in spring practices.
His role as a "passing back" in the Patriots' offense has been vital, as he has totaled 381 receptions for 3,278 yards and 25 touchdowns in his first eight seasons. In addition, he amassed 59 playoff receptions for 506 yards and three touchdowns, with an MVP-caliber performance in Super LI against the Atlanta Falcons that included 14 catches, three touchdowns and a 2-point conversion run.
The Patriots drafted South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong Jr. in the fourth round this year, and he is a candidate to potentially emerge in White's role.
In addition, second-year running back Rhamondre Stevenson said one of his offseason goals was to become more of a factor as a pass-catcher. The team also signed veteran Ty Montgomery as a free agent in March.
