ESPN Boston calls Aaron Dobson's development a "critical part of the Patriots' passing game going forward."

Aaron Dobson was held to two catches for 33 yards in the Patriots' AFC title game loss to Denver. Battling foot woes, Dobson didn't play many snaps but contributed a 27-yard catch in the second quarter. Dobson's other reception went for six on a quick slant midway through the third. A promising 2013 second-round pick, Dobson will be a candidate for a year-two leap after struggling to learn OC Josh McDaniels' playbook early in his rookie season. He drew some Larry Fitzgerald comparisons coming out of Marshall, and flashed plus ability when healthy in 2013.

After observing Sunday's pre-game warmups, Nick Underhill of Mass Live Sports came away believing Aaron Dobson (foot) "still has a slight limp." Dobson is active after being listed as questionable on the injury report, but whether he'll play at anywhere near 100 percent remains to be seen. Underhill did acknowledge that Dobson's apparent limp "could be my imagination." Earlier, Mike Giardi of Comcast SportsNet New England tweeted that Dobson was "moving well." If the Patriots are forced to turn to a three-receiver set that doesn't involve Dobson at any point, it would likely be comprised of Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and Austin Collie.

Aaron Dobson (foot) is active for Sunday's AFC Championship game versus the Broncos. Dobson is back in the lineup for the first time since aggravating his foot injury in Week 17. With Kenbrell Thompkins (concussion) out, Dobson should see plenty of snaps at X receiver.

Aaron Dobson (foot) is listed as questionable for Week 20. Dobson returned to practice this week and feels good about his chances of playing in the AFC Championship game Sunday in Denver. Kenbrell Thompkins (concussion) is also listed as questionable, but his status is clear as mud. Dobson will be thrown right back into the fire at X receiver. Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola will hold down slot and Z duties.

Aaron Dobson (foot) practiced on a limited basis Thursday. Dobson returned to practice for the first time in two weeks on Wednesday. The fact that he hasn't had any setbacks is good news, but his status remains up in the air for Sunday's AFC Championship game. Fellow X-receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (concussion) also remained limited in Thursday's practice.

Aaron Dobson (foot) returned to practice Wednesday. Dobson suffered a setback with his foot in the Week 17 finale and sat out practice the past two weeks. With this being the Patriots, we really have no clue as to whether Dobson will play in the AFC Championship game Sunday against the Broncos, but his return to the field is a good start.

Aaron Dobson (foot) is listed as out for the Divisional Round. Kenbrell Thompkins is expected to replace Dobson at X receiver, though Thompkins is listed as questionable with a hip injury. Look for Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola to dominate Week 19 targets in New England's wideout corps.

ESPN Boston projects Aaron Dobson (foot) to be inactive Saturday against the Colts. Dobson suffered a setback on December 29 and hasn't practiced since. Kenbrell Thompkins will handle X receiver duties, with Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola working in at Z and the slot. Austin Collie will function as the Patriots' rarely-used No. 4 receiver.

Aaron Dobson (foot) remained out of practice Thursday. At this point, it would be an absolute shock if Dobson suited up on Saturday. Kenbrell Thompkins will get the majority of X snaps.