Optimism surrounding New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson has waxed and waned for much of the offseason.
The second-year player hasn't seen a snap of preseason football while rehabbing from a March surgery in which doctors inserted a screw into his left foot to repair a stress fracture.
The wait for Dobson to see game action appears over.
The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reported Thursday that Dobson traveled with the Patriots and is expected to make his preseason debut tonight against the New York Giants. It's uncertain how much playing time Dobson will see.
A return to action is the first step as Dobson tries to regain his footing as one of the Patriots' starting outside receivers. He's battling Kenbrell Thompkins and Brandon LaFell, both of whom have the early leg up. Dobson performed well down the stretch last season and possesses a brand of speed the Pats currently lack in the passing game.
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