Patriots Tyquan Thornton Injured on Diving Catch?

Following his selection by the Patriots in the second round (50th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Baylor product has been heralded as a potential deep threat due to his speed. However, Thornton has seen the field sporadically throughout camp, presumedly due to a “soft-tissue” injury reducing his workload. In his absence, both Douglas and Boutte have emerged as prime candidates for roster spots — potentially at Thornton’s expense. Thornton certainly made his case stronger during the Pats 20-9 preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans, in which the second-year speedster made a leaping grab for 27-yard completion of a Bailey Zappe pass. 

As such, the second-year speedster was expected to log notable minutes against the Packers. 

Still, the Pats should remain cautious. After all, Thornton’s rookie debut was delayed when suffering a fractured clavicle in the 2022 preseason. After his activation from injured reserve, Thornton showed flashes of his potential. In Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, Thornton scored his first receiving and rushing touchdowns, making him the first Patriots wide receiver since Deion Branch to score a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game. He will need to show the same type of potential, as well as durability, to maintain his spot on the depth chart. 

Thornton and the Patriots are participating in joint practices with the Packers Thursday on the fields just outside the Don Hutson Center. Their preseason game against Green Bay will take place at Lambeau Field Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.