Thornton didn't catch his lone target in Thursday's 17-3 preseason win over the Panthers.
Thornton logged just seven snaps in the contest, but it's notable that the speedster opened up the contest with the Patriots' starters. In his third season as a pro, the 2022 second-rounder is competing for a role in a wide open New England WR corps, but as Evan Lazar of the team's official site notes, Thornton's start and subsequent quick exit Thursday could bode well for his roster standing.