Report: LeGarrette Blount failed Patriots' conditioning test, placed on NFI list

Running back LeGarrette Blount failed his conditioning test at the start of New England Patriots training camp Wednesday, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports.

Blount completed only a dozen 50-yard sprints in under eight second each; 20 were required to pass.

As a result of his failure, Blount was placed on the Patriots' non-football injury list.

Players failing their conditioning tests isn't necessarily a rarity in the NFL. Blount will get another opportunity to prove he's up to snuff and chances are he'll pass the bar soon enough.

That said, it's noteworthy that Blount, finally the clear-cut starter in New England, showed up to camp in anything but the best shape of his life.

And it's especially noteworthy because Blount is suspended for Week 1, which means he'll miss a week of practice and conditioning. Blount can't afford to waste valuable prep time.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has proven to be among the most fickle coaches in NFL history when it comes to shuffling his running back depth before and during the season. Nothing, not even a roster spot, is assured for Blount at this time.