30 August 2023 , 21:32
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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.
Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham were both released on Tuesday but were shortly re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers. It was a shock to most fans, with Zappe showing positive signs last year and Cunningham impressing in pre-season.
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It suggests the Patriots are actively looking for a new back-up quarterback to support Jones, although it puts an end to any speculation that head coach Bill Belichick won't start the first-round pick from 2021. Jones and Belichick appeared to clash last season, and it was an underwhelming year for the Patriots.
Thornton picked up a shoulder injury in a shared practice with the Green Bay Packers (©Icon Sportswire (A Division of XML Team Solutions) All Rights Reserved)The Patriots went 8-9 last season, with Jones finishing 6-8 after picking up an injury and being replaced by Zappe. Belichick gave little away about his decision making process for the 2023 season, stating that the best quarterback in the facility would be starting Week 1.
It's set to be a make-or-break year for Jones, who still only has one postseason game to his name. Should the Patriots miss out on the playoffs for a second-straight season, they could be shopping for a new quarterback.
Jones had seen his offense strengthened in recent weeks, after they signed free agent Ezekiel Elliott to bolster their options at running back. But a speedy outlet at receiver will not be an option until at least Week 5, and they face the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys before then.