Seymour on PUP; Bruschi ready to go

Defensive lineman Richard Seymour and wide receiver Troy Brown headline a list of eight players placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list by the Patriots Tuesday.

Players on PUP cannot participate in practice until they come off the list, and are generally at different stages of their rehabilitations. Both Seymour and Brown are recovering from knee injuries.

Others on the list are tight end David Thomas, receivers Kelley Washington and Chad Jackson, running back Justise Hairston, safety Mel Mitchell, and cornerback Eddie Jackson. Thomas is recovering from a broken foot sustained in the offseason program, while Chad Jackson (ACL), Mitchell (biceps), and Eddie Jackson (ACL) are working their way back from injuries from last season.

If players remain on the PUP list by the final roster cutdown Sept. 1, they must stay on it for at least the first six weeks of the season.

Seymour, the highest-profile player on the list, was also on PUP at the start of 2006 training camp. He ended up missing 13 practices before suiting up for his first workout.

Any time players miss practice time, it could open up opportunity for others.

At defensive end, for example, sixth-year veteran Jarvis Green or third-year man Mike Wright likely will take snaps in Seymour's place, while other ends such as Santonio Thomas (first year), Kenny Wright (sixth year), Kareem Brown (rookie), and Zach West (rookie) will look to catch the eyes of coaches.

The receiver spot figures to be one of the hotly contested battles in training camp, so players like Brown and Washington won't want to miss too much time, or others like Jabar Gaffney, Donte' Stallworth, and Reche Caldwell could distance themselves in the competition for roster spots.

Veterans aren't due to report to Gillette Stadium until later this week, but some have gotten a head start. One of those is linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who reported Monday. Some players who were injured in 2006 were required to report early, hence the early arrival for Bruschi, who underwent wrist surgery last August and played in pain throughout the year.

Receiver Randy Moss was scheduled to arrive in town yesterday, according to his agent, Tim DiPiero.

"He's excited to get going," DiPiero said. "No doubt, he's been ready for several weeks."

Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com.