Injury update: Hjalte Froholdt, Brandon King expected to be ready for the Patriots’ offseason workouts

The New England Patriots are entering an offseason filled with uncertainty — from a new collective bargaining agreement yet to be signed, to the uncertain status of cornerstone players headed for unrestricted free agency, to numerous men coming off season-ending injuries. Among the latter group are offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt and special teamer Brandon King, who both missed the entire 2019 campaign after getting hurt in preseason.

The outlook for the 2020 season, however, appears to be a positive one if recent reports out of the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis are to be believed. According to NESN’s Doug Kyed and Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal, both Froholdt and King have recovered nicely from their respective injuries and should be ready to participate in the Patriots’ offseason workout program once it gets started in mid-April.

King was the first of the two players to go down last summer. The veteran special teamer, who had just signed a two-year contract extension three months earlier, tore his quad during New England’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. One week later, during the preseason finale versus the New York Giants, fourth-round rookie Froholdt hurt his shoulder and like King was later placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Both being back to full strength now and ready to participate in the Patriots’ offseason workouts is obviously good news for the players and the team. After all, Froholdt and King might play considerable roles in 2020: the former is expected to compete for a starting role at left guard in case Joe Thuney leaves via free agency, while the latter will return to his usual spot as a core kick coverage player.