Is TE Thomas physically tough enough to contribute this year?

[Ochmed Jones]

Or does he have a permanent training room table named after him?

Can he stay healthy and contribute this year, or does he spend most of the season on IR?

 

[PonyExpress]

I don't see that mental toughness is the issue. There's no evidence of that. He broke a bone in his foot twice. As for his absence this camp, no one seems to know the problem.


Maybe he's just brittle. It happens.

 

[dhamz]

I can't speak for tough enough but he might not be healthy enough. They are not the same thing. Just ask Steve McNair.

 

[Kontradiction]

God, I hope so. This offense could really use a tight end that is capable of remaining injury free for just one season.

 

[tombonneau]

As much as I love the guy, the body of evidence thus far points to "No." I'm actually surprised no other TEs have been brough in. I guess BB is happy with Pollard, Stupar & Spach.

I've seen quite a few roster predictions that have NE only keeping 2 TEs; given the health histories of Watson & Thomas there is no way I see this happening.

I think Pollard makes the team, with Stupar to PS and Spach to the couch waiting for a call.

 

[Pats726]

Mental toughness is not the issue at all..healthy?? His foot as been a problem...and that has taken awhile to heal...I think this injury is to his lower leg/ankle....near his foot or his other leg? It does not bode well....I HOPE he can rest..recover quickly...as he has great hands..if only his foot and leg were stronger...

 

[Lamanai]

I realize this is a bit late, but here are my observations (on TE) from attending last Monday's camp:

Thomas - injured early in practice before I could notice him
Watson - not impressive at all. Not on same page as Brady for some reason. One nice catch in traffic, two catchable balls dropped.
Stupar - worked hard, made necessary catches.
Spach - same as Stupar. Nothing flashy, but made basic plays.
Pollard - Woefully out of shape. On sprints at end of practice, he finished behind the pack.

The TE's seemed to get a lot of throws overall, for what it is worth.

i'd hang onto Watson, Thomas, and the better blocker out of Spach/Stupar...And keep an eye on the WW.

 

[N.Eman]

Hey Lamanai, do you know what you're name means?

 

[patsox23]

"physically tough enough?" He's INJURED. He's injury-prone, I've heard nothing of a lack of "toughness," and neither have you.

 

[belichickaholic]

Yesterday I was watching a clip of Patriots Today and they showed Thomas at one of the walkthroughs and he had a huge bandage under his chin. Looked like a lot of stitches possibly. They're probably still monitoring his workload from his foot injury also so I don't think it's a big deal. He'll probably be back next week. At least I hope so. He's one of my favorites.

 

[Pats726]

I think he's had a bad two years....really...he didn't see much in 06..but made a few plays..as he was learning the system...and then..the foot..he wasn't injury prone in Texas was he?? Goes anyone remember McGinest the first few years?? he was injured ALL the time...

 

[Patjew]

"physically tough enough?" He's INJURED. He's injury-prone, I've heard nothing of a lack of "toughness," and neither have you.

That's right, they're completely different.

Rodney has missed games due to injury. I think he's tough enough.

 

[jbb9s]

I realize this is a bit late, but here are my observations (on TE) from attending last Monday's camp:

Thomas - injured early in practice before I could notice him
Watson - not impressive at all. Not on same page as Brady for some reason. One nice catch in traffic, two catchable balls dropped.
Stupar - worked hard, made necessary catches.
Spach - same as Stupar. Nothing flashy, but made basic plays.
Pollard - Woefully out of shape. On sprints at end of practice, he finished behind the pack.

The TE's seemed to get a lot of throws overall, for what it is worth.

i'd hang onto Watson, Thomas, and the better blocker out of Spach/Stupar...And keep an eye on the WW.

Damn - two first round picks, a third and a fourth all on tight ends in the last 6 years and thats what you got to see?

I kind of wish DG was around and BW was the one who had his contract expire. I mean, the Pats don't need reception from the TE position - they need a blocker.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I kind of wish DG was around and BW was the one who had his contract expire. I mean, the Pats don't need reception from the TE position - they need a blocker.

Hmmm...then why did BB sign FA TE Pollard, a receiver type TE????

Then again, pass receiving TE Christian Fauria said he's willing and available but BB won't return his calls.

 

[jbb9s]

Hmmm...then why did BB sign FA TE Pollard, a receiver type TE????

are you implying that Pollard is making the 53?