This is the first possible week that Dont'e Thornton could be activated. And he hit the practice field right on schedule.
The second-year receiver was placed on injured reserve just prior to start of the season, which meant he would have to be out for four games. That four games is now behind the Raiders, and today Thornton practiced officially.
His return opens the 21-day window for the team to activate him from injured reserve. If he is ready now, he could take the field Sunday when the Raiders face the Patriots in New England.
The hope was that Thornton and fellow 2025 draft pick Jack Bech could take a second-year leap. Through camp there were no signs of that from Thornton. Bech showed flashes, but as of last week, he too was sent to IR with
a forearm injury.
The Raiders wide receiver corps could certainly use the help. The offense has been relying heavily on the tight ends due in part to the lack of overall talent in the team's wide receiver corps. Tre Tucker leads the team with 233 yards receiving. After that the next wide receiver is Cody White with just 64 yards. And offseason free agent acquisition Jalen Nailor has just five catches for 52 yards on the season.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders WR Dont'e Thornton returns to practice, could play Week 5 vs Patriots
