Aaron Dobson back at practice
New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) gets pushed out of bounds by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Aaron Dobson hasn’t played our practiced since spraining his foot very early in the team’s Week 12 win over the Denver Broncos, but he is finally back on the practice field today after also missing Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practices. ESPN Boston’s Field Yates reports that the Patriots don’t have a single absence at today’s practice, meaning that Dobson is finally back on the practice field.
However, I don’t think we’ll see Dobson at practice this week despite practicing today, because the Patriots would ideally like to wait for the rookie receiver to get two practice sessions in during the week. I fully expect him to play in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens, but I don’t expect to see Dobson out there on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Kenbrell Thompkins missed last week’s game against the Browns with a hip injury he suffered in the previous week, but he practiced everyday this week and is fully expected to play against the Dolphins. With KT back in the fold and fellow rookie WR Josh Boyce emerging (he started at the “X” against the Browns with both Dobson and Thompkins out), there is no need to rush Dobson back or anything. I wouldn’t be shocked if he played this week, but I would be surprised. Fantasy owners considering playing Dobson this week should avoid him and look for a better, healthier option.