The New England Patriots were already facing a tough decision when it came to the future of receiver Ja'Lynn Polk. It was easy to make the argument that the pass catcher already wasn't going to make the final roster. However, that is no longer a question with Polk having a shoulder injury that will keep him out of the entire 2025 season.
Sources: #Patriots WR Ja'Lynn Polk will miss the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 21, 2025
The 2024 second-round pick saw multiple specialists, and surgery was determined to be the best course of action — with the goal of being fully healthy for 2026. pic.twitter.com/Ee3okqZ7QX
With this in mind, New England's receiving core is now in full focus, with Efton Chism expected to take the final spot for the historic franchise.
Ja'Lynn Polk's Injury Opens Roster Spot for Patriots UDFA WR Efton Chism
Chism has been one of the most exciting stories of camp and appeared to be a likely roster inclusion despite being an undrafted rookie. Polk missing the year takes away the final remaining question and locks the rookie's roster spot into place. Already, there have been comparisons to Julian Edelman and past surprise Patriots pass catchers. It is the highest compliment and a sign that the organization is once again heading in the right direction.
Considering how much attention Chism has caught from the New England coaching staff and quarterback Drake Maye, it will be interesting to see how big a role the rookie might be able to carve out in year one. There is no questioning that he has started out red hot.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Polk will undergo surgery on his shoulder after getting multiple opinions to find what the best path would be, moving forward. The 2026 season is now the pass-catcher's focus, with this year going to be missed completely due to the injury. It is yet another frustrating update for a player that is yet to live up to expectations. Even the arrival of Maye wasn't enough to breathe life back into the receiver's career/
It's possible that Pats fans have seen the last of Polk within this offense. Already, the offense appeared to move on, and now Polk will be at the disadvantage of missing a full season. It will be an uphill battle to come back into camp in 2026 and win roles from players who spent far more time in the new offense building chemistry with the franchise quarterback.
Still, it is at least a delay in deciding Polk's future with the receiver now eligible to be put on season-ending IR. For Chism, it has been the perfect storm that continues to excite Patriots fans, that perhaps they have found a surprise contributor.