David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports Thornton hopes to play at 190 pounds this season. Tyquan Thornton’s first two NFL seasons began in nearly identical ways. Unfortunately, it was not the positive way, as he started each year on the injured reserve after suffering injuries in August. As a rookie, that came in the New England Patriots preseason opener where Thornton broke his collarbone when tackled. Last season, a diving catch in a joint practice session led to a shoulder injury. Entering year three, Thornton has taken what he believes is the necessary measures to avoid another similar issue. “I’ve been putting in work. I feel like I’ve put on a lot of muscle in a lot of areas that need it. I’m just continuing to get bigger,” Thornton said. “It’s just so I can take more impact. I feel like all my injuries came from the ground — me hitting the ground. So, I can be able to bounce back up when I do hit the ground.” Thornton, who is noticeably bigger, played last season listed at 185 pounds — a year after weighing 181 pounds at the NFL Combine. Now, Thornton is finding a balance with a new target goal that will continue to allow him to maximize his 4.28-second 40-yard speed. “Just where it’s a balance where I’m not too heavy up top. Just gotta have a good balance of a lot of muscle,” Thornton said. “Target goal probably play at 190 [pounds] the whole season.” A bulking process is nothing new for Patriots wide receivers, as Kendrick Bourne put on 15 pounds of muscle last offseason and was en route to a career-year before suffering a torn ACL. Bourne played a large role in Thornton’s transformation, as the two often worked out together this offseason while also spending time in Bourne’s home in Portland, Oregon. “When I went out to Portland, I kind of got on that program that he was on,” Thornton said. “Me and KB are two different players. I know that. He knows that. He put on 15 pounds of muscle. I’m just trying to put on as much muscle as I can.” If the added muscle helps Thornton stay on the field, the receiver may be an intriguing fit in Alex Van Pelt’s new offense that is not shy of pushing the ball downfield. With OTAs beginning next week, Thornton is eager to show the new coaching staff what he can do. “I definitely see it as a fresh start. Just to come in, put the past behind me and get ready to work,” Thornton said. “Just the results that I put out the first two years, it really wasn’t what I wanted. But that’s behind me now. Just clear-minded and ready to move forward.” Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/5/17/24 ... eight-gain
