Report: Patriots WR Tyquan Thornton designated for return from IR

Tyquan Thornton has reportedly been designated to return for the Patriots

After missing the first five games of the season, New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is reportedly designated to return from injured reserve.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the news on Tuesday.

There has been hope since the start of the season that Thornton would break out in his second year with the Patriots. The 2022 second-round draft pick out of Baylor had a quiet rookie season with 22 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

One of the biggest issues facing the Patriots offense is the inability of receivers to consistently create separation. Rookie Demario Douglas was the team’s best route-runner, but he’s currently in concussion protocol, along with veteran wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Thornton’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time for the Patriots. He has the size and blistering speed to be a threat on the outside. The potential is clearly there for him to make an impact.

But as the 2023 Patriots have clearly shown, there’s a big gap between possibility and probability.

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