A recent article on 247Sports cuts right to the chase with the headline, “Is it time to be concerned about Malcolm Mitchell?” The former Georgia wideout appears to be behind schedule when it comes to injury rehab and the media has noticed.

Pro Football Talk recently assesed the coverage surrounding Mitchell’s health. On Thursday, in an article about the Julian Edelman situation, ESPN noted that Mitchell had not been spotted on the field in two weeks of practice. NESN’s report this week, however, said Mitchell was seen on the field, but only to do light conditioning work.

Mitchell was a fourth-round selection in 2016 and impressed as a rookie, particularly in New England’s Super Bowl win over Atlanta. He missed the 2017 season with a knee injury. In February, he told ESPN that he planned to be back for spring 2018 OTAs (organized team activities).

“I’m feeling great,” Mitchell said in February. “This offseason will be big. Obviously I missed all of last season and I won’t shy away from the importance of making sure I’m ready when we start OTAs.”

Tyler Sullivan, author of the 247Sports article mentioned above, notes that if Mitchell is still hurt, it could impact his future with the Patriots.

“Mitchell was looked to be a candidate for an expanded role within New England’s offense with the departure of both Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola, but if he cannot get on the field sooner rather than later there is the question of if Jordan Matthews and/or Cordarrelle Patterson will pass him by on the depth chart,” Sullivan writes. “If Mitchell is behind the eight ball due to some sort of ailment, it is concerning not just about his future with the Patriots, but the team’s overall outlook at the position going forward.”

It certainly looks like a situation to watch until someone offers an update on Mitchell’s status.