Kenbrell Thompkins, Brandon Bolden Injury Updates

New England Patriots wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) in the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Kenbrell Thompkins remains a safe fantasy play, but fantasy owners looking to start another New England Patriots RB in case Stevan Ridley is out should look at LeGarrette Blount instead of Brandon Bolden. While Thompkins’s injury shouldn’t hinder him on Sunday, Bolden is going to come into Sunday’s game a bit banged up. He’s also likely (though, we won’t know for sure, of course) set to be the Patriots No. 3/change-of-pace back against the Cincinnati Bengals, so it would be wise to look at other options.

ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss reports that Cincinnati Bearcats rookie Kenbrell Thompkins stated that he is “fine”, which means that his shoulder injury is indeed a very minor one. Thompkins was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but any injury he suffered against the Atlanta Falcons was almost certainly extremely minor. He’s guaranteed to play against the Bengals, and he holds a key role against the Bengals defense.

The status of Brandon Bolden is less certain, though, because he aggravated a knee injury against the Falcons, and he has been limited at practice throughout the week. Not only that, but NESN’s Doug Kyed reports that Bolden was noticeably limping during practice today, even though he was “moving better”. I fully expect him to play this week, but I still don’t view him as a viable fantasy play, unless if Ridley is a no-go. That’s a very real possibility, so keep your eyes peeled on that. While Ridley’s injury is considered minor, he hasn’t practiced all week. Bolden will be nicked up going into this week’s game, so don’t expect him to get much of a workload.

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