Demaryius Thomas

Honestly, we have no idea. We’re throwing our hands in the air. The Patriots released Demaryius Thomas but are expected to bring him back. He’d be in the mix with Phillip Dorsett, Jakobi Meyers and NKeal Harry for that No. 3 role, as well. Julian Edelman is the only guarantee for Week 1. Josh Gordon will probably take on an almost full share of snaps as the No. 2, but he might need to work on his conditioning after missing training camp. Dorsett has the best rapport with Brady. Meyers had the best training camp. Harry has the most potential but hasn’t played or practiced in full since Week 1 of the preseason because of an injury. He’s a candidate for IR. Thomas had the best preseason game, putting up seven catches for 87 yards with two touchdowns in Week 4. Our best guess is Dorsett and Meyers share the No. 3 role and wind up with around the same amount of snaps in Week 1. If Thomas comes back, then maybe he and Dorsett share that role.

There is a lot of information to process here, but it looks like Gordon will be the team's WR2, at least once he's back in ideal shape. The WR3 role is up in the air but could have a fantasy impact with Gronk out of the picture. James White will also be a big factor in the passing game out of the backfield, but it looks like Dorsett and Meyers are guys to keep an eye on.