The New England Patriots have focused on depth at the running back position amid injuries ahead of the playoffs. Now it’s the wide receiver position that will be thin this week, with two starters ruled out for Week 17, as head coach Mike Vrabel shared on Friday during his press conference.
Vrabel announced that wide receivers Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte will not be available for Week 17 against the New York Jets on Sunday. Boutte is in the concussion protocol, and Hollins is listed with an abdominal injury. It’s also worth mentioning that DeMario Douglas has been a limited participant at practice this week with a hamstring injury.
With two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Patriots could attempt to get their essential players some valuable rest as they prepare for the playoffs. Outside of the wide receiver position, the Patriots are managing injuries along the offense at running back and the offensive line.
Kyle Williams, Efton Chism Could Benefit from Patriots' Week 17 Injuries
With Boutte and Hollins both ruled out, rookie Kyle Williams should have an increase in his role this week. Williams has recorded 253 offensive snaps where he’s seen 16 targets go his way and make seven receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns this season. He’s also starting to be utilized on special teams, seeing 18 snaps with 11 kick returns since Week 12.
For what it’s worth, Williams is on the field more than you might realize. Although he doesn’t have a high number of receptions, he has three touchdowns on only seven catches (42.9%) while being a great route runner and having deep play ability this season.
What Williams has also shown to be is an excellent run blocker. Last week against the Baltimore Ravens, the rookie made a key block that allowed Rhamondre Stevenson to score on a 21-yard run in the fourth quarter.
The other player who could see an uptick in usage is rookie Efton Chism. The undrafted rookie made the 53-man roster coming out of the preseason. He’s only played 25 offensive snaps, and he doesn’t have any targets on the season. Chism has been utilized on special teams, mostly as a kick returner, averaging 23.9 yards per return on 16 returns this season.
In addition to Hollins and Boutte, Vrabel announced that four other players have been ruled out for this week’s game. In theory, this means there’s plenty of space within the roster for Chism to get some legitimate run this week.
At this point in the season, it’s usually when rookies and younger players start to be more productive, as teams are either preparing for the playoffs or need to evaluate who they have on their rosters.
This could be the week that the Patriots unleash Chism and Williams in the offense.