Josh Boyce officially ruled out
New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) catches a pass as Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) defends the play during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots turned to TCU rookie Josh Boyce to start at the “X” receiver slot in each of the team’s past two games, since both Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson were out during that span with hip and foot injuries respectively. Boyce was touted as a polished speedster coming out of college, but he took a little bit longer than expected to catch on. After showing some flashes against the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins, it looks like all three of the Patriots rookie wideouts have plenty of promise.
Boyce, however, also suffered an ankle injury against the Dolphins, and he hasn’t been able to practice at all this week. As expected, ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss reports that the Patriots have officially ruled Boyce out for tomorrow’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Now, all eyes will be peeled on the statuses of both Dobson and Thompkins, who are once again listed questionable this week.
Dobson looks likely to make his return this week, but Thompkins’s status is still up-in-the-air. Both could come down to game-time decisions, and it’s tough to find indications on injuries relating to the Patriots. Avoid any Patriots “X” receiver in fantasy football this week, but Patriots fans and those interested in Dobson’s and Thompkins’s status this week should keep an eye out for ESPN Boston’s weekly “Projecting the Inactives” feature. It’s almost always perfect, and they accurately predicted that both Dobson and Thompkins would be out last week, even though it looked like Thompkins would play.
I am almost certain that one of either Dobson or Thompkins would play tomorrow, and I honestly think that we’ll see both guys out there against the Ravens. That’s just a gut feeling, though, so be sure to check this page for the aforementioned feature.