The New England Patriots head into the 2023 season with arguably the most question marks on offense of any team in their division. Unfortunately, one player who hoped to be a big part of that offense won’t be joining them for a long while.
According to ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler via Dov Kleiman, the Patriots have played 2022 second-round wide receiver Tyquan Thornton on injured reserve.
Thornton ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, among the fastest in the group. After being taken 50th overall in the ensuing draft, he had 22 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie last season.
The move leaves the Patriots with six healthy receivers heading into Week 1, two of which are rookies and one of which is special teams ace Matthew Slater (who has not had a reception since 2011).
Bad news for the #Patriots, speedy 2022 2nd round pick WR Tyquan Thornton is placed on injured reserve, per @JFowlerESPN
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 30, 2023
Suffice it to say, the Patriots are hurt badly at wide receiver right now. A move to add another one either through the waiver wire or adding one off of their practice squad on gameday will probably happen sometime over the next few days.
Will the Patriots’ wide receivers be their undoing this coming season?