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Mike Reiss, ESPN writer
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots informed wide receiver Tyquan Thornton he would be released on Saturday, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Thornton, a 2022 second-round pick out of Baylor with blazing speed, never emerged as the top threat the Patriots hoped he would be after posting a 4.28 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine. .
With the Patriots carrying seven receivers on their 53-man roster and Thornton as the seventh option, the team loosens the stalemate at the position and creates a roster spot.
The Patriots activated defensive tackle Christian Barmore to the 53-man roster on Saturday, a source confirmed to ESPN. Barmore, who was diagnosed with blood clots in late July and returned to practice for the first time Thursday, could return Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, coach Jerod Mayo said earlier in the week.
As for the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Thornton, he played in six games this season with one start. He totaled four receptions for 47 yards.
In total, he appeared in 28 games (13 starts) for the Patriots and had 39 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns.
When the Patriots selected wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk (second round, No. 37) and Javon Baker (fourth round, No. 110) in the 2024 draft, it put Thornton in a position where he had to fight for a place in the squad.
After being active for the first five games of the season, he had been inactive for four of the last five. The emergence of second-year receiver Kayshon Boutte was also a factor in pushing Thornton down the depth chart.
