Kenbrell Thompkins injury: Patriots WR comes down on hip hard, leaves game

New England Patriots wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins fell hard on his left hip on Sunday and is being looked at by trainers on the sideline. Thompkins elevated high in the air to catch a 16-yard pass from Tom Brady in the first quarter against the Houston Texans, but was unable to stop his fall and landed at full speed onto the turf. He stayed in for one more play and was targeted by Brady but was clearly effected by the previous play.

An undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati, Thompkins has stepped up in the absence of receivers like Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd, as the Patriots had significant turnover at the wide receiver and tight end positions from last season. Thompkins came into the game with 31 catches for 450 yards and four touchdowns. Fellow rookie receiver Aaron Dobson was ruled out before the game, meaning Julian Edelman may see increased targets should Thompkins miss the rest of the game.