The NFL preseason is is almost over with the regular season kicking off on Thursday, Sept. 4th. Over the next week, teams will have to cut down their rosters to 53 players. For New England Patriots fans, one wide receiver who was on the bubble is now set to miss the entire season.
Patriots fans learned Thursday that second-year WR Ja'Lynn Polk will miss the entire season after suffering a shoulder injury that will require surgery, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
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
Polk was drafted by the Pats in the 2024 NFL draft following a stellar senior season at Washington that saw him catch 69 passes for 1,159 yards and 9 touchdowns. His first season in New England was a far cry from his season at Washington, as he caught 12 passes in 15 games for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns. With this news, what will the Patriots' WR depth chart look like?
Projected Patriots WR Chart Following Ja'Lynn Polk Injury
WRs 1-3: Demario Douglas, Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte
At the start of the season, I expect the Pats to start Demario Douglas, Stefon Diggs, and Kayshon Boutte. Douglas is the biggest lock for me, with him being the most promising receiver on the team. Most of his time will be spent as the slot receiver. With Diggs and Boutte, I gave them the edge as Diggs is the most talented receiver on the roster, and Boutte has developed good chemistry with starting quarterback Drake Maye.
WRs 4-6: Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism
When looking at the backups, three WRs stand out. Mack Hollins was signed in the offseason and is unlikely to be released or moved, plus he brings some great blocking for a receiver. With Williams and Chism, although they are both rookies, they have flashed potential that is worth keeping them on the roster. Chism has flashed a lot during camp and preseason that he has more than earned the sixth spot on the roster.
On the Bubble: Javon Baker
If the Patriots decide to keep a seventh receiver, it will be Javon Baker. While he didn't show much in his rookie year, he's provided value as a special teams player during the preseason that could warrant one of the last roster spots.
It will be interesting to see how the Patriots handle the cutdowns and which receivers make the cut. Some could end up on the team's practice squad if they clear waivers. The Patriots wrap up the preseason when they take on the New York Giants on Thursday night.