New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, speaks with line judge Daniel Gallagher (85) during the first half of Friday night's preseason game vs. Carolina at Gillette Stadium. (AP photo)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Friday night in his post-game press conference that he expected all his players to be available for this Friday’s preseason finale at Las Vegas, except the injured Kristian Wilkerson.

Add another to the list.

The Patriots haven’t made an official announcement, but several reports Saturday indicated rookie wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who had been having a good training camp, suffered a collarbone injury Friday and is likely out six to eight weeks.

Thornton was ruled out of the game with a shoulder injury, it was announced during the preseason contest with the Carolina Panthers, but yesterday reports shed more light on his situation. It’s not reportedly expected to be season ending.

Thornton had one catch for 13 yards in the game, but along with DeVante Parker was expected to upgrade the team’s receiving corps from last season.

Belichick Saturday morning said he had no updates on any injuries from Friday’s game – Wilkerson had been hurt on a play in the joint practices with Carolina that sparked a fight.

“As always, we’ll see what happens after the game,” Belichick said. “I don’t know.”

Carolina suffered an injury too, as rookie quarterback Matt Corral suffered a torn ligament in his left foot – it got stepped on – and miss significant time as well.

HUMPHREY SHINES

The New England Patriots usually get good value with some under the radar free agent signings, finding a diamond or two in the rough and they may have found another one.

Lil’ Jordan Humphrey wasn’t so little on Friday night, with five catches for 71 yards, including a 26-yard reception. The former Texas receiver, who began his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints a few years ago, also made a spectacular special teams play to prevent a punt from being downed in the end zone.

“That play Lil’ Jordan made was fantastic,” Patriots veteran special teams leader Matt Slater said.

“Yeah,he’s made some plays for us since he’s been here,” Belichick said. “He’s a big kid that is tough and has very good hands and is kind of a big receiver, tight end-ish tyupe of guy, hs a good feel, very good instincts in the passing game, handles himself wel in the middle of the field linebackers under him, over him, in between him.”

Belichick,in fact, really had nothing negative to say.

“Kind of does the right thing there and helps the quarterback out and is a big target,” he said. “He gets some tough yards after the catch. Did a decent job blocking on some of the perimeter plays. Then he showed up in the kicking game.”

Humphrey really was the talk of the postgame. He was signed in June,and wasn’t with the team during OTAs.

“But he’s come in, really worked hard and made a very positive impression here,” Belichick said. “We’re glad we have him.”

He has a fan in Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, that’s for sure.

“Yeah, I think L.J. Is a best, and when he got signed here, I remember I texted him and asked him if he wanted to come catch, and he immediately responded and found a way to make it out to where we were and came to our throwing session,” Jones said. “He’s a grinder. He’s a big dude. He’s great on special teams, too. We have great receivers, and it’s great to see them all get a chance to catch the ball and run. He’s a big body type receiver, and that’s a good addition for us.”

Perhaps Thornton’s expected absence may open a door for Humphrey to stick. We’ll see.

WHERE’S BOURNE? AND MORE

Another Patriots receiver, veteran Kendrick Bourne, did not play Friday and was not seen. Bourne was kicked out of the joing practice with the Panthers during one of the fights, and all Belichick would say was “He wasn’t available.” There were reports teams have been inquiring about Bourne’s availability in a trade….

Belichick said he didn’t like the punt return portion of Friday’s game. “Didn’t handle the ball well,” he said. “Anytime you don’t handle the ball well, you’re not going to have a good return game.”…

Defensively, the Patriots seem to be impressed with free agent signee Mack Wilson at linebacker. “Matt has really come on through the spring and then in preseason,” Belichick said. “Certainly when the pads come on, he’s an explosive player, contact player, and adds speed to our team on both defense and the kicking game.”….

The Patriots visit Vegas next Friday and former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Raiders new head coach. Plus there will be joint practices.