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(PHOTO: David Kohl - USA TODAY Sports) Following a challenging New England Patriots debut in 2020 that saw him deal with a high ankle sprain and surgery, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu’s determination to comeback stronger than ever continues this offseason.
On his Instagram this week, Sanu shared more workout photographs as his recovery process continues to move faster than anticipated.
Speaking with ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss, Sanu’s trainer Hilton Alexander revealed progress on his ankle.
“I would tell you he’s probably faster, quicker, leaner and in better shape now than prior to the surgery,” Alexander said. “I would say he’s way ahead of any doctor’s knowledge or prediction where he would have been at this point. Way ahead of the curve.”
Back in October, the Patriots traded a second round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for the eight year veteran out of Rutgers.
In eight regular season games, Sanu hauled in 26 receptions for 207 yards, and a touchdown with his most productive game coming in week ten against the Baltimore Ravens when Sanu had a season-high ten receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown.
Sanu sustained the ankle injury during the Patriots week 11 win over Philadelphia when filling in as a punt returner.
In the six games that followed, Sanu had just 13 additional receptions for 110 yards with just five targets on average.
“I think he knows he was a shell of himself toward the end of the season,” Alexander told Reiss.
“He wasn’t in the position where he could do the best he could and be able to offer that Mohamed Sanu that everybody has grown to love all those years in Cinci [2012-15] and Atlanta [2016-2018].”
“I know the fans didn’t get a chance to see 100% Mohamed Sanu”, Alexander went on to say.
“I promise you, that is a huge chip on his shoulder now.”
With a new quarterback under center in 2020, the rejuvenation of Sanu couldn’t have come at a better time for the Patriots offense as it begins a new era at quarterback.
Sanu had nothing but praise for the Cam Newton signing on Sunday according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
“I knew something was up when you [Josina] called. This is crazy. I think it’s great. I mean it’s Cam Newton. He can help the team in so many ways. He’s a big powerful leader. All he has to do is go be Cam. He’s an MVP.”
With a healthy Sanu alongside Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry, whoever wins the starting job will have some talented pieces to work with.
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Sanu, one of the reasons Brady left the Patriots was you. Now’s the time to prove it wasn’t you that underperformed, but Brady.