Running back Rhamondre Stevenson , linebacker Cameron McGrone (knee) and safety Joshuah Bledsoe (wrist) are opening on the active/non-football injury list.

That means that they are not cleared for practice but once they are cleared, they can come off the list at anytime.

Stevenson is a bit of a surprise. Of the three rookies, he was the one expected to make the most immediate impact this season as a compliment to Damien Harris and Sony Michel. The Patriots don’t like to rush running backs as rookies so once Stevenson is healthy, he will have to really make an impression to get into Ivan Fears rotation.

Bledsoe will have a tough time finding playing time in a crowded secondary this season. Depending on the severity of his wrist injury, he may be given an extended stay on the injury list. The Patriots can take their time with him. Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills and Kyle Duggar are entrenched at the safety position.

As for McGrone, he will more than likely miss the season due to his knee injury. A redshirt year for him may not be a bad idea. He should be given the time to fully recover and get bigger physically. The Patriots see some of Dont’a Hightower in his skill set and he may be the heir apparent at WILL linebacker.