Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill is heading for the Physically Incapable List (PUP), according to NFL Network Mike Garafolo.
#Texans CB Gareon Conley and Chiefs S Juan Thornhill among the players added to their squad’s PUP roster today.
– Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 31, 2020
Thornhill tore up his ACL in the 2019 season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers and previously had to be “ready” for training camp.
By being added to the PUP roster, Thornhill cannot train until cleared by Chiefs medical staff. In the meantime, he can attend meetings and train. Once Thornhill practices, he is no longer eligible for the PUP list.
Security chiefs Tyrann Mathieu shared some thoughts on Thornhill and his potential return in 2020 during the team’s media availability on Thursday.
Here’s what Tyrann Mathieu told me about #Chiefs S Juan Thornhill when I asked him about it on Thursday. The previous idea was that Thornhill would be ready for training camp. This will not be the case with the second year security directed at PUP. pic.twitter.com/dVokjw7HGw
– Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 31, 2020
“My hope for Juan is that obviously he lets himself go – he doesn’t put on extra stress,” said Tyrann Mathieu. “He plays for a good football team, and I think we have the capacity to play late in the season. I think he is young, I think the most important thing for him is his health. So as long as he can keep that in front of him – looking forward to playing, I think he will make the right decision. I feel like (head coach) Rick (Burkholder) and his team – they’re pretty transparent. They’re probably the best in the business when you talk about coming back from injuries and the like so I know he’ll be good to go, but you obviously don’t want him to feel like he has to put too much pressure on it. on itself from the start.
Chiefs addressed the depth of security earlier this week with the signing of Tedric Thompson (more on Thompson here).
Chiefs offensive lineman Martinas Rankin will also start the season on the PUP roster, according to Herbie Teope of Kansas City Star. Wide receiver Aleva Hifo has been called off by the club. Hifo had previously tested positive for COVID-19.
