Dominique Easley’s progress will be under close watch as the New England Patriots begin the first week of training camp on the fields behind Gillette Stadium.

On Tuesday, the 2014 first-round draft choice was one of eight Patriots placed on the physically unable to perform list, which was a somewhat unexpected move after Easley was on the field for much of offseason workouts. But with the defensive lineman standing nearly two years removed from his second ACL tear at the University of Florida, it appears to be precautionary.

The Patriots met with Easley early this week to inform him they’ll continue to be careful as the 2015 regular season closes in, a source told Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.

There is no known medical setback for Easley's surgically repaired knees, noted Howe, and the goal is for him to be ready for the team’s Sept.â€‰10 meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 23-year-old Easley was brought along slowly during his rookie season, beginning his first camp on the non-football injury list before appearing in 11 games to record 10 tackles, one sack and one interception.

He was placed on injured reserve in December in an effort to get him back to full strength for his second season with the club. But, now on the active-PUP list, Easley can be cleared for practice at any time during camp.