Thornton recorded one catch (on three targets) for four yards in Sunday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Commanders.
Thornton paired with K.J. Osborn as a starting outside receiver, and he entered the game ahead of the likes of Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. That may not remain the case in Week 1 against Cincinnati, but New England looks poised to rotate its receiving corps, so Thornton should see the field plenty even if he isn't the first on the field.