Malcolm

Mitchell

Mitchell was forced into retirement after multiple knee surgeries. He made an impact as a 2016 rookie and played a role in New England’s Super Bowl comeback but hadn’t seen the field since. Mitchell was released from the Patriots after training camp last year. He looks to have a post-NFL career.

A fourth-round pick in 2016, Mitchell made his mark as a rookie by catching six passes for 70 yards in New England’s Super Bowl win, but he has been sidelined ever since by knee issues which have plagued him since college. He hopes the latest surgery will allow him to get back to and stay on an NFL field. “My No. 1 priority in terms of football is to make sure that the next time I step on the field it’ll be for a substantial amount of time,” Mitchell said, “not to go through the same cycle of injuries again.” Still just 26, Mitchell should get another shot if his knee cooperates.

That’s no small feat, as plenty of talented receivers have failed to grasp the complexities of New England’s offense. Danny Amendola recently equated the Pats’ passing game to driving without street signs. While Mitchell may not see much of a workload in year one -- he’s behind Julian Edelman, Amendola and Chris Hogan -- it’s only good news that Mitchell shined in pre-camp practices.

Mitchell suffered a dislocated elbow in the preseason opener, but he returned to the practice field just four days later. Mitchell has been limited somewhat in practice, but it looks like he will be ready for Week 1. Mitchell is the favorite for the Patriots’ “X” receiver job.

As it stands now, Mitchell will man the X, Julian Edelman the Z, and Chris Hogan the slot. Danny Amendola, Keshawn Martin, and Aaron Dobson are behind them. While Mitchell being a starter seems nice, he’s deep down the target totem pole in this setup, especially when we factor in Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, and Dion Lewis. Mitchell is more of a Dynasty stash.

Mitchell resumed practicing almost immediately after dislocating his elbow three weeks ago, but hasn’t been ready for game action. He’s been sporting a bulky brace. Still not 100 percent after a limited preseason, Mitchell could end up a healthy scratch for Week 1 even if he’s technically healthy enough to play.

It was an ugly, ugly injury, one that sent Mitchell immediately to the locker room. It came on a night were Mitchell was making himself known, working in traffic to secure 4-of-5 targets for 55 yards. Mere moments before the injury, ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss tweeted that Mitchell had been separating himself from Aaron Dobson and Chris Harper. Mitchell was an upside talent coming out of Georgia, but one who struggled mightily with injuries in the SEC.

The injury had the looks of a potential season-ender, so it’s extremely good news. It still knocks Mitchell out for the rest of the preseason, and leaves him doubtful for Week 1. He needs a Friday MRI to confirm the extent of the damage. Either way, injured reserve is probably no longer in his future. Mitchell is an intriguing stash in Dynasty leagues, but not a re-draft consideration.

In other words, if he’s not completely fine, he’s close to it. Mitchell’s Thursday injury had the looks of a season-ender, but ended up being little more than a scare. Injuries have always been Mitchell’s bugaboo, but this isn’t going to be the one that fells him. Mitchell offers a lot of upside for a fourth-rounder, but is still much more of a Dynasty than re-draft consideration for 2016.

That’s exactly what the Patriots were hoping for. Mitchell suffered a horrible-looking elbow injury in Thursday’s preseason opener, but it looks like he might only miss four weeks. If that timeline holds, Mitchell could be ready for Week 1 against the Cardinals. Mitchell was having a great debut before he got hurt (four catches for 55 yards) and makes for an interesting Dynasty stash.