Patriots 2nd-Round Pick’s No-Shows Threaten Roster Spot

   

Coming into the 2025 NFL season, it was already clear that 2024 Patriots second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk was very much on the hot seat in a crowded receiver room. His problems went beyond that, even. Polk was decidedly ineffective in his rookie season with New England, going for just 12 catches and 87 yards on the season, and worse, despite his high draft status, he was not picked by the current Mike Vrabel regime.

Patriots WR Ja'Lynn Polk

In fact, his draft status could be a negative at this point–perhaps Vrabel and the new staff would be more willing to cut Polk from the 53-man roster to send a message to the rest of the team that, no matter where you were drafted, you’ve got to earn a spot.

Either way, things are off to a rocky start for Polk here in 2025. It is very early in camp, obviously, but Polk is dealing with an injury that has kept him off the field thus far.


Ja’Lynn Polk Has ‘Muscle Tightness’

Polk had been limited during the team practices this spring, as he was coming back from a shoulder injury. But now, he has not been on the field to open camp, and ESPN’s Mike Reiss explained that the problem has been a muscle injury that was deemed, “minor.”

“I’m told Polk passed his initial physical, then later had what is considered minor muscle tightness, so playing it cautious early,” Reiss wrote on Twitter/X.

 

As quarterback Drake Maye is building up a rapport with his receivers–especially new WR1 Stefon Diggs and rookie Kyle Williams–it does not help Polk’s case to stack DNPs.


Patriots Have WR Depth

The receiver room is not exactly brimming with talent, but it is as deep a group as the team has fielded in many years. Diggs surprised everyone by coming back from a torn ACL he suffered in October, and if he is healthy, he could be in a for a big year–much rides on his success for the Patriots, in fact.

The team has familiarity and respects the presence of Kendrick Bourne, and injured veteran Mack Hollins is a lock to be on the field when healthy.

The team likes Pop Douglas‘ presence as an underneath option, and he has already had some good moments in camp. The rookie Williams, too, has been impressive. Kayshon Boutte, who established some connection with Maye toward the end of last season, has been a factor in camp.

That’s six receivers. The Patriots might not be inclined to keep more than that.


Patriots ‘Pecking Order’ at WR

Patriots insider Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston wrote after Thursday’s practice that the team has seen an emerging pecking order among the receivers based on how they’ve been used to this point.

He wrote, “It could change as the race unfolds, but it goes:

  • Stefon Diggs
  • DeMario Douglas
  • Kendrick Bourne
  • Kyle Williams
  • Kayshon Boutte

“All five are working with the presumed first offense at the outset of 11-on-11 reps.”

He noted that undrafted rookie Efton Chism, who emerged as a roster possibility in spring practices, has not been working with the team’s top groups at this point, and could be headed for the practice squad. Another 2024 draftee, fourth-rounder Javon Baker, is also in peril of heading to the practice squad or being cut outright.