Patriots' Shaq Mason: To begin training camp on PUP

Mason (undisclosed) is set to open training camp on the Patriots' active/PUP list, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

New England's 2015 fourth round pick, Mason performed well when healthy last season, but missed games at times with a knee issue. However, the Patriots addressed their lack of depth along the offensive line by drafting Joe Thuney in the third round of this year's draft and also acquired former first-rounder Jonathan Cooper from the Cardinals. Nonetheless, Mason proved his reputation as a mauler during his rookie campaign and, when cleared to play, will be in full competition with Thuney and Cooper as well as Tre' Jackson (knee) in a wide-open battle for both guard positions.