Tyquan Thornton returns to practice, opening Patriots' 21-day window to activate receiver
FOXBORO -- The Patriots are hurting at wide receiver after a pair of pass-catchers left last week's blowout loss to the Saints. At least one injured receiver returned to practice Tuesday.
Tyquan Thornton, who started his second straight season on IR with a shoulder injury, was on the practice field for New England on Tuesday, as the team begins its preparation for Sunday's matchup with the Raiders in Las Vegas. The Patriots now have 21 days to activate Thornton, or he'll have to miss his entire sophomore season.
WR Tyquan Thornton at practice Tuesday
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) October 10, 2023
Among players NOT spotted at media viewing period:
Juju Smith-Schuster
Pop Douglas
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A second-round pick by New England in 2022, Thornton also started his rookie season on IR after he suffered a collarbone injury in the preseason. The speedy receiver returned in Week 5 and caught 22 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns (plus another score on the ground) over the final 13 games, playing 66 percent of New England offensive snaps last season.
He's not going to save New England's lackluster offense, but the Patriots could use Thornton back on the field after JuJu Smith-Schuster and Demario Douglas both left Sunday's loss to the Saints with head injuries. Neither were on the field Tuesday, and neither are expected to be in Vegas on Sunday to take on the Raiders.
That would leave Mac Jones with just DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, and practice squadder Jalen Reagor as his potential receiving options on Sunday. If Thornton practices all week -- and makes it out unscathed -- there's a good chance he'll be asked to step right in and play an important part in New England's passing attack against Las Vegas.
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