Some familiar Patriots faces have aided Demaryius Thomas in his comeback

FOXBORO – Demaryius Thomas stayed confident even if the outside perception waivered.

On Dec. 23, two days before his 31st birthday, Thomas suffered a torn Achilles on his left leg. An injury like that to a receiver over 30 created plenty of doubt. The uncertainty over Thomas’ future went into the offseason where he was released by the Houston Texans in February.

The five-time Pro Bowler didn’t find a new home until the Patriots came calling two months [...]

FOXBORO – Demaryius Thomas stayed confident even if the outside perception waivered.

On Dec. 23, two days before his 31st birthday, Thomas suffered a torn Achilles on his left leg. An injury like that to a receiver over 30 created plenty of doubt. The uncertainty over Thomas’ future went into the offseason where he was released by the Houston Texans in February.

The five-time Pro Bowler didn’t find a new home until the Patriots came calling two months later. They were the only team showing interest in the veteran. Throughout it all, Thomas stayed positive. He wasn’t worried as he rehabbed throughout the spring. He was confident this summer after missing most of training camp.

Thomas remained confident on Sunday, five days after being activated off the Patriots physically unable to perform list. This receiver knew he would bounce back because he has before. This time around, he has a supporting cast that’s aided his journey.

“No I wasn’t. I actually tore my right Achilles going into my second year and I came back at the same time,” Thomas said. “It did (give me confidence), but I was a little younger then. You know, just staying on top of the small things is giving me more confidence and more confidence. I don’t want to say people looking down (on me), but that also gave me confidence as well.”

Thomas suffered a similar injury back in 2011. That year, when he was 24, it was revealed that he had a torn Achilles on his right leg in February. Eight months later, he was playing for the Denver Broncos. Sure, it’s different being in your second NFL season compared to your tenth, but Thomas has had some help.

This offseason, the veteran receiver has latched on to Tom Brady and Julian Edelman. His locker and directly next to Brady’s in the Patriots locker room. This offseason, when he’s been seen at practice, Thomas was always with Edelman.

That’s not all. The Providence Journal learned that Thomas has also been getting help at the TB12 Sports Therapy Center in Patriot Place this offseason. Brady has often credited his long-time body coach Alex Guerreo, who runs the TB12 Center, for helping him last this long in the NFL. Guerrero has also had Edelman as a client as well, so it makes sense that Thomas would elicit similar services as he attempts to comeback from the Achilles injury.

In Nashville, Thomas was seen running through ladder and hurdle drills with Edelman before chatting with Guerrero. He also ran while tethered to large bands, held by a Patriots staffer. Brady has done similar resistance training with Guerrero in the past.

“I can feel it,” Thomas said when asked about his explosion. “I can feel it certain days and certain days I can’t. It’s a thing that I feel when I play. I’ve still got it. I know I’ve got it. I’ve touched it here and there… I don’t have problems with my Achilles. It’s reacting. I haven’t been in front of defensive guys or just going play by play in eight months. I haven’t had on pads or helmet in a while.”

Thomas has latched on to Edelman for a good reason. He said he wanted to pick Edelman’s brains to see what he’s done right over the past 11 years. The hope is that Edelman’s vast experience with Brady will help Thomas catch up quicker.

Thomas has now had two full practices with Brady. His goal is simple – “being in the right spot and catching the ball.” Of course, he’s also using the quarterback as a reference.

“Just being able to be around him and learn the game. Sitting beside him (in the locker room),” Thomas said. “Seeing him go through the things he does before practice and being able to do it at the age he is, he’s still got zip on the ball. He’s still the best in the game at what he does.”

Thomas knows he still has plenty to prove. Once he gets out there, he hopes to silence anyone who doubted him this offseason. When asked how much gas he has left in the tank, the receiver didn’t hesitate.

“I still can go,” Thomas said.