The New England Patriots received very bad news about a key second-round pick after Friday’s preseason game.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton suffered a collarbone injury Friday against the Carolina Panthers, and will miss significant time. The injury is not expected to be season-ending, but certainly appears likely to linger into the regular season.
#Patriots rookie WR Tyquan Thornton, who was ruled out last night with a shoulder injury, suffered a collarbone injury, sources say. The promising campaign is now put on hold, though based on his timetable, the injury to the speedster is not season ending.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 20, 2022
Thornton had been having an impressive camp, making this injury news even more disappointing. The 50th overall pick was renowned for his speed. He ran the third-fastest official time at the NFL Combine 40-yard dash at 4.28.
Thornton certainly seemed to be lining himself up for at least some role in the New England offense as a rookie. With him missing time, Bill Belichick may have to reluctantly bring one veteran back into the fold more prominently.
