Kenbrell Thompkins a projected inactive
New England Patriots wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) runs after catching a pass during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Patriots 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots could be without both rookie receivers Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins for tomorrow’s game against the Cleveland Browns, and they brought back veteran receiver Austin Collie earlier this week as insurance in case both players are out. Dobson has already been ruled out with a foot sprain and was never expected to play, and we still don’t know the severity of the injury he suffered two weeks ago against the Denver Broncos.
Meanwhile, Kenbrell Thompkins went down with a hip injury in last week’s win over the Houston Texans, as he was starting at the “X” in place of Dobson. Both Thompkins and Dobson have been solid performers as rookies this season, and they are each hitting their stride. With Dobson out, the focus is on whether or not Thompkins can play.
While there is plenty of hope that Thompkins can play despite the hip injury, he is going to be a game-time decision and his status is up-in-the-air for tomorrow’s game. In fact, it sounds like we shouldn’t expect “KT” to play, because ESPN Boston has Thompkins projected as one of the Patriots inactives this week.
ESPN Boston’s weekly “Projecting the Patriots’ inactives” piece is always a must-read, and it is incredibly accurate on a week-to-week basis, so take Mike Reiss’s prediction lightly at your own risk. The Patriots are loathe to rush back rookie players from injuries, and there’s a reason why they brought back Collie. Thompkins seems about 50-50, but it looks like the “not playing” side is slightly heavier. Check all updates regarding Thompkins’s status, and fantasy owners should avoid playing him this week at all costs.
Losing Thompkins on top of Dobson would be a tough blow for the Patriots, because they would be going into a game against Joe Haden without a true “X” receiver.