After New England Patriots veterans reported to training camp on Tuesday, the team held its first practice together on Wednesday. The main story coming out of Foxborough for day one was easily rookie wideout Kyle Williams, the team's third-round selection in April. Of all the Patriots receivers, he and Stefon Diggs looked the best, and rightfully so, as they're both locks to make the New England roster.
It's no secret that the Patriots' wide receiver position has the most uncertain outlook outside of the aforementioned Diggs, Williams, and DeMario Douglas. There are six other receivers battling for either three or four spots on the Patriots roster, as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will have a big say in that decision.
For the Patriots, that decision could become easier if this sophomore wideout continues to miss time. After a horrendous rookie season that included only 12 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown across 15 games, Ja'Lynn Polk is officially on thin ice after missing his second straight day of training camp in Foxborough.
Patriots WR Ja'Lynn Polk is Seeing Roster Spot Slip Away
While other New England wideouts are impressing in front of Patriots fans, Polk is nowhere to be found. He, along with fellow sophomore wideout Javon Baker, were two players who needed to show promise in camp after disastrous rookie seasons.
It was a surprise that Polk missed Wednesday's practice even after undergoing a shoulder procedure in the offseason, but two straight absences from practice don't look good for his future in New England, especially with how crowded the Patriots' receiver room is now. Polk wasn't placed on the "Physically Unable to Perform" or any injury list, meaning it could just be a sign of caution as training camp ramps up.
Patriots reporter Mike Reiss took note and supplied some more context on Polk's situation. Either way, now is not the right time for Polk to endure any limitations, especially after failing to establish a good rapport with Drake Maye in their rookie seasons.
WR Ja’Lynn Polk, the 2024 second-round pick who faces a battle for a roster spot, is not present for the start of practice.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 24, 2025
Some context: I’m told Polk passed his initial physical, then later had what is considered minor muscle tightness, so playing it cautious early.
Polk is in a heated position battle with veterans Mack Hollins and Kendrick Bourne, UDFA standout Efton Chism III, the aforementioned Javon Baker, and Kayshon Boutte, who finished third in yards and touchdowns among Pats wideouts last season.
Even as a former second-round pick, Polk's job gets less secure by the day, especially if he's not practicing. Mike Vrabel has shown no remorse when it comes to doing away with players from the Belichick and Mayo seasons, and Josh McDaniels doesn't have any connection to the 22-year-old after being brought back as offensive coordinator in January.
Patriots fans will hope that Polk can return to 100 percent as camp goes along, and live up to his second-round selection last April. It will be worth monitoring how other receivers on the roster bubble do in Polk's absence, that being Javon Baker and Efton Chism III. Polk will need to show the Patriots coaching staff and Drake Maye that he's a reliable target upon his return to practice.