Aaron Dobson still not practicing, Nate Solder out too
New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) evades a tackle from Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) in the second half of the game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 13-6. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Aaron Dobson suffered a foot sprain a few weeks ago against the Denver Broncos, and he hasn’t practiced or played since. The Patriots held Dobson out of games against the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns, and they had to play TCU rookie Josh Boyce as the starting “X” with Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins out. Boyce was touted coming into the draft and in training camp as a fast receiver who can stretch the field with enough polish as a route-runner, but he didn’t catch on nearly as quickly as we expected. He seems to be catching on now, though, and the Patriots have three solid rookie WRs in tote.
It doesn’t sound like Dobson will be able to play this week either, though it’s probably too early to make a call on his status. ESPN Boston’s Field Yates reports that Dobson wasn’t at practice today due to the foot sprain, and left tackle Nate Solder was also missing. That’s an absence to keep a close eye on, but at least starting right tackle Marcus Cannon was able to return to the practice field.
Thompkins missed the Browns game with a hip injury that he suffered the previous week against the Houston Texans, but he is expected to play this week against the Miami Dolphins now that he’s practicing today. Dobson, who has 492 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season, seems doubtful to play this week, and we’ll know more about his status after tomorrow’s practice.