Patriots' Gilmore to open season on PUP list

New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore will miss at least six games to begin the season after landing on the physically unable to perform list, his agent confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Gilmore spent the offseason recovering from quad surgery, though he appeared in two of three games this preseason.

The 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has reportedly been seeking a new contract for some time. The Patriots appeased him with a salary increase last year but left his 2021 figure of $7 million untouched.

New England boasts solid depth at cornerback with J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, and Jalen Mills, but the secondary will surely be tested without its top defender.

Gilmore, who turns 31 in September, had three pass breakups and an interception over 11 outings last season en route to his fourth Pro Bowl selection. He was an All-Pro in 2018 and 2019 and reeled in a career-high six picks in 2019.

Players who begin the season on the PUP list cannot practice until Week 7. Once a player starts practicing, his team has three weeks to activate him or place him on season-ending injured reserve.