Patriots’ Aaron Dobson could ready for training camp
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick sometimes comes off as a pessimist, but even Aaron Dobson was doubtful about the recovery time of his foot, which required surgery this offseason. Now, a source is saying otherwise. There is suddenly a surprising light of optimism for Dobson’s foot. He may be ready for training camp.
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The original time frame of two to three months for recovery projected that Dobson should have been on the field for OTAs, but foot injuries tend to be pesky and often slow healing. The surgery was also delayed with hopes of recovering naturally.
This news comes at an important moment in Dobson’s offseason and career. While the Patriots do not have what many would call elite receivers, they are log jammed with average and good ones. Even the no. 1 spot seems to be up for grabs, though Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman will be the only contenders.
The three spot is much more fickle. Dobson will have to beat out two other second-year pass-catchers in Josh Boyce and Kenbrell Thompkins. The Patriots also signed Brandon LaFell and drafted seventh-round pick Jeremy Gallon from Michigan. With depth at every playmaking position except tight end, the Patriots’ offense may be intensively game-plan oriented. Dobson, however, needs to prove he will be valuable every week. If he can attend, this training camp should be monumental as he takes the next step in the Patriots offense.
Dobson injured his foot in week 12 against the Broncos. After missing three games, he played for the season finale against the Bills, during which he re-aggravated it. He also played 27 snaps in the AFC Championship game.