Wes Welker, who is in the midst of a remarkable recovery from surgery on both his MCL and ACL in February, has been placed on the active/physically unable to perform list before the start of training camp, according to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss.
This is not the same as going on the PUP to start the regular season -- that requires the player to sit out at least the first six games. Welker's move is largely "more procedural than anything," and he is available to come off the list at any time. He is not counting toward the Patriots' 80-man training camp roster.
The Globe's Shalise Manza Young, confirmed the report, and added that New England "likely isn't ready to medically clear him yet." It's not being looked at as a set-back -- Welker is still on schedule with his recovery.
The Patriots also put OLB Shawn Crable and DL Kade Weston active/physically unable to perform list.