Patriots' Tyquan Thornton using latest setback as 'fuel'

FOXBOROUGH, Mass - Things have not been easy for Tyquan Thornton. 

And Sunday was just another example of that as the second-year receiver was a healthy scratch during the New England Patriots loss to the Miami Dolphins. Yet, his mindset remains strong and this has only made him more determined. 

"I'm going to use that as fuel," Thornton told A to Z Sports on Wednesday.  

"Definitely gives me more motivation to go out there and compete and work harder," he added. "Get better at the little things and being more consistent."

Thornton was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and despite making a strong impression in preseason, he was placed on injured reserve after suffering a fractured clavicle in the preseason. 

And this season was no different for Thornton, starting the season on injured reserve once again. 

While it's easy to get down on yourself during that time, he knew that it was going to be worth it in the end.

"Just control what you can control," Thornton said. "Come in every day with the mindset to get better. Just keep on putting one foot in front of the next."

Thornton finished his rookie season with 22 receptions for 247 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, along with three carries for 16 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. 

Yet, this season, he has only played in two games with two receptions for eight yards. 

But there is still plenty of time remaining in the season and he knows what he has to do each and every day in order to get back to where he was his rookie season. 

"Just continue to play clean, good football and being consistent," Thornton said. "So that's all."

There is also a hole that needs to be filled in the receiving room, with Kendrick Bourne out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in Sunday's loss. 

He has been the Patriots top receiving this season, but with him out, other receivers will need to step up. And this creates an opportunity for Thornton to become that top threat for the Patriots for the remainder of the season.

"It definitely hurt to see a brother go down. Real close with Kendrick," Thornton said. "Step up for him and ball for him." 

With a lot more football to be played, Thornton has an extra chip on his shoulder. So let's see how he uses that on the field.