Although the New England Patriots are roughly 24 hours away from taking on the Los Angeles Rams, they’ve decided to make a change to their roster.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has just reported that wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is being released. The former second-round pick from Baylor is subject to waivers. It’s unclear if another team will place a claim for him. We’d have to imagine a team in need of a wide receiver will at least take a look.
Thornton started in nine games for the Patriots in 2022, hauling in 22 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. The following season, he had just 13 catches for 91 yards.
Unfortunately for Thornton, he hasn’t seen the field much this fall. He has just four receptions for 47 yards.
Considering the Patriots have a crowded depth chart at wide receiver, Thornton may actually benefit from hitting waivers.
“The Patriots have been one of just three NFL teams carrying 7 WRs — an usually high number,” Patriots reporter Mike Reiss said. “This puts them closer in line with the league average … and potentially opens a spot for DT Christian Barmore or CB Alex Austin.”
FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 15: New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo paces the sideline during a game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks on September 15, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
As for the Patriots, they should be just fine without Thornton. They currently have Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Ja’Lynn Polk as their top wideouts. Of course, they also have veteran pass catchers on their roster in K.J. Osborn and Kendrick Bourne.
The Patriots are 3-7 heading into this Sunday’s game against the Rams. Jerod Mayo’s squad has one two out of their last three games, with the one loss coming in overtime.
Kickoff for the Rams-Patriots game is at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
