Demaryius Thomas caught a team-high seven passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns Thursday night.
Yes, it was against the New York Giants' backups in the New England Patriots' meaningless preseason finale. But Thomas' effort was no small feat considering he tore his Achilles just eight months ago.
After moving smoothly through his first game action as a Patriot, the 31-year-old wide receiver gave a nod to the team's strength and conditioning program, admitting he feels more fit now than he did prior to that December 2018 injury.
"I actually feel a lot better now," Thomas told reporters at Gillette Stadium. "Before the injury, I was a little smaller. But I’m a little heavier, a little stronger. The program we’ve been doing here has helped out a lot, so I feel great."
Judging by the Patriots' official roster, Thomas actually has shed a few pounds since last season: New England lists him at 225 pounds, while the Denver Broncos' media guide had him at 229 pounds to begin the 2018 season.
In any case, the 10-year NFL veteran insists his Achillies is fully healed and won't affect his mental approach this season.
New England Patriots
"My Achilles is great," Thomas said. " ... I’m not going to think about anything, I’m not going to have (the injury) in the back of my head, because usually when I have it in the back of my head, I don’t play my best.
"So, I’m just going to give my best, and if I get hurt, I just get hurt."
Thomas is a couple years past his prime and admitted Sunday there are days when he doesn't feel as explosive. But Thursday wasn't one of those days, and the five-time Pro Bowler looks like he's put himself in position to contribute for the defending Super Bowl champions starting in Week 1.
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