New England Patriots: The mysterious case of Malcolm Mitchell continues

The health of New England Patriots third-year receiver Malcolm Mitchell continues to be a mystery with training camp just weeks away.

Just when it appeared the New England Patriots ended their string of bad luck when drafting wide receivers high in the draft, Georgia Bulldogs alum Malcolm Mitchell continues to be a mystery for the team.

In what will be deemed as a big offseason for the third-year receiver, his readiness for training camp is still no guarantee despite missing his entire sophomore campaign with a knee injury.

As there were rumblings that Mitchell could be available towards the end of last season, he never saw the field. The team’s reluctance to reactivate him off injured reserve at the time set questions as to just how series his knee problem was.

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With months passing between then and now, questions are starting to rise as to now when, but if Malcolm Mitchell will ever solve a knee problem that is appearing to be chronic in nature. There is a possibility that he suffered another setback during OTAs and the team’s mandatory training camp, but fans are left guessing.

During an appearance at Stoneham High School for Stoneham Bank’s “Hometown Huddle,” Mitchell was asked by the Boston Hearld about his knee as well as whether he will be ready when training camp rolls around in late July. He told reporters he was “good” physically, but answered “we’ll see” about training camp.

Add that answer to a report that the Patriots are proceeding with caution in terms of Mitchell’s rehab and there does appear something else is up with the talented receiver.

Until a more definitive diagnosis is leaked or even until we see him back on the field catching balls from Tom Brady, it will be both a waiting and guessing game when it comes to Malcolm Mitchell.

Why Malcolm Mitchell is important

Obviously, the New England Patriots offense can function without Mitchell, but having him on the field would make Tom Brady’s air strike more lethal.

With his ability to play along the sidelines, he provides a target on the outside that Brady can go to when the middle of the field is taken away. With Chris Hogan, Kenny Britt and Jordan Matthews in the mix, Mitchell could have some competition, especially if his health continues to be in question.

Aside from Hogan, the advantage Mitchell has over the rest of the receivers is the chemistry he has established with Brady. The fact that he was a reliable target for the reigning NFL MVP during Super Bowl LI’s thrilling comeback is telling on how much trust he earned in the Patriots offensive system.

He would have to regain that trust after sitting out a year, but if he healthy Malcolm Mitchell should be able to re-establish the rhythm he found with Brady. And of course, with Julian Edelman facing a four-game suspension to start the season, Mitchell’s value could be even more important during the early part of the season.

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In summary, how Mitchell looks in training camp and the preseason will help determine whether the New England Patriots truly struck gold when they selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft.

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