What Jerod Mayo said about K.J. Osborn trade speculation, Tyquan Thornton’s status vs. Jets
"I've had conversations with all the players about a lot of different things."
Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn sparked up trade rumors about himself with a social media post following the team’s loss to the Jaguars on Sunday. Three days later, Osborn gave a non-commital answer when asked if he wanted a trade.
So, Jerod Mayo was asked if the veteran wide receiver has approached the team about a possible move when he met with reporters on Friday, giving a bit of a vague response.
“No, I’ve had conversations with all the players about a lot of different things,” Mayo replied when asked if Osborn has asked for a trade. “What I will say, he’s on the team now and we look forward to him playing on Sunday.”
After coming down with a touchdown grab against the Jaguars, Osborn posted a screenshot of a text message conversation he had with sports agent Brandon Abdala. The screenshot showed Abdala congratulating Osborn for how he handled the week leading up to the game, where the receiver was allegedly told by the team he would be inactive against Jacksonville a few days earlier before reversing course the night before the game.
Abdala also wrote that, “I’m with you while we figure out this situation.” That part of the message sparked trade rumors, which Osborn was asked about on Wednesday.
“It’s like an alley-oop,” Osborn said with a laugh when asked if he wants to be traded. “This is where I am. This is the place I signed to be. A lot of things are out of my control, but I would like to be where my feet are. So today I’m here, so now I’ll just rock with it as it goes.”
Osborn added that it’s been a “frustrating” season after signing with the team in free agency over the offseason.
As the season reaches the halfway point, Osborn has also had a relatively unproductive tenure in New England. Osborn only has seven receptions and didn’t play a snap in the Patriots’ Week 6 loss to the Texans.
Osborn said everything in the text message from Abdala was true. Mayo was asked why Osborn wasn’t informed until the night before the game that he would play. The Patriots coach didn’t want to share any more details.
“You guys talked to K.J. Once again, for me, it’s about looking forward and we’re looking forward to the Jets and trying to go out there and get a win,” Mayo said.
As Mayo diverted his attention to the Jets in his Friday press conference, he shared that he expects wide receiver Tyquan Thornton to be back in the fold this weekend.
“Tyquan has done a good job in practice, and looking forward to seeing him in the game,” Mayo said. “He will be at the game. He’s had a great week of practice, and he’ll be there, and hopefully it translates.”
Thornton opened the season as one of the Patriots’ starting wideouts. He had two receptions in Week 1, but didn’t record a catch in New England’s four following games. He’s been a healthy scratch in the Patriots’ last two games.
With Thornton coming back into the lineup for Week 8, it’s a likely sign that Ja’Lynn Polk won’t play in Sunday’s game against the Jets. The rookie wide receiver hasn’t practiced this week after entering the concussion protocol following Sunday’s loss.
Polk’s likely absence could also serve up an opportunity for fourth-round rookie wide receiver Javon Baker to play. As Baker’s played just six offensive snaps this season, Mayo wouldn’t say if the rookie would suit up against the Jets. However, Mayo still has high hopes for Baker even though he’s been a healthy scratch much for much of the year.
“Not only is he going to be a good receiver, but he’s also one of those guys that just loves football,” Mayo said. “He has to continue to improve in special teams as well. Look, there will be a time when he’s on the field, and he’ll be a good player for us.”
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