Quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham may have been left out of the active roster, but head coach Bill Belichick has lost one of his key offensive stars to IR
The New England Patriots have been dealt an eve-of-season injury blow after Tyquan Thornton was placed on the injured reserve list.
Wide receiver Thornton made the 53-man roster for the 2023 season on Tuesday but now won’t be eligible until Week 4 after suffering a shoulder injury in camp. Thornton was also out injured at the start of his rookie season after suffering a fractured clavicle in pre-season, and wasn’t activated until October 8.
He made history in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, becoming the first Patriots receiver since Deion Branch to score a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game. The 23-year-old was listed second on their depth chart behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, with Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker also listed as starters. Thornton was expected to have a breakthrough year for the Patriots with quarterback Mac Jones also under pressure to perform.
It has been an unfortunate start to life in the NFL for Thornton after being selected 50th overall in 2022, although he still finished his rookie season with 22 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns. It’s been a hectic end to pre-season at the Patriots, with Jones still the only quarterback listed on their roster.