On Saturday, the New England Patriots parted ways with 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton. Despite the team’s pressing need for help at wide receiver, Thornton never saw significant playing time, and while his release came as a surprise—given that few notable players are let go on a random Saturday during the season—it wasn’t entirely unexpected. It had become clear for some time that a fresh start would benefit both Thornton and the team.
The Kansas City Chiefs, recognizing the situation, decided to take a chance on Thornton’s potential. On Monday, the defending champions signed him to their practice squad, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Chiefs have been actively searching for receiver help this season, particularly after losing Rashee Rice for the year and pursuing a trade for DeAndre Hopkins ahead of the deadline. While Patrick Mahomes has led the team to nine straight wins before falling to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, it’s clear the offense isn’t as explosive as it once was.
Thornton, known for his speed, was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft but has struggled to make an impact in the NFL due to injuries and being a healthy scratch. Over the course of three seasons, he has appeared in just 28 games and recorded 39 catches for 385 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs are hopeful that working with Mahomes in practice might help unlock Thornton’s potential as they continue looking to bolster their offense, which currently ranks 16th in the league.
Leave a Reply