Patriots Place Thornton on IR to Start 2023

Ian Logue

3 months ago at 11:40 am ET

Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (11) makes the touchdown against Miami Dolphins cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (9) in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Much like the start of the 2022 season, it looks like Tyquan Thornton won’t be a part of the New England Patriots offense when the team kicks off the 2023 regular season just over one week from now.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Mike Reiss each reported that Thornton will be headed to injured reserve on Wednesday, which comes following Tuesday’s roster cutdowns.

Due to the league’s rules, Thornton initially was placed on the Patriots 53-man roster, and is now being given that designation ahead of the season. He’ll be eligible to return after Week 4.

This marks the second straight training camp where the former Baylor receiver suffered an injury in preseason that will keep him out to begin the year.

Thornton went down with a shoulder injury a couple of weeks ago after laying out for what ended up being a beautiful 45-yard reception from Mac Jones during joint practices against the Packers out in Green Bay.

However, he was shaken up after the catch and left the field, and has been sidelined ever since as he deals with another setback.

Last year, Thornton suffered a fractured collarbone against the Panthers last preseason, with the then-rookie hauling in a 13-yard pass from quarterback Brian Hoyer.

On the play, Thornton tried to fight for extra yardage but was driven into the ground by Carolina linebacker Brandon Smith. Thornton didn’t appear to show any ill-effects from the play, but the report came out a couple of days later and he ended up in the same spot ahead of last season.

With Thornton sidelined, the Patriots currently have Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, along with rookies Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte to round out their receiving corps ahead of the opener against the Eagles.

(Editor’s Note: Portions of the above appeared in this morning’s news and notes column.)