Patriots Camp Begins Without Key Wide Receiver On The Field

Ja’Lynn Polk was the only unexpected absence Wednesday as the New England Patriots opened training camp. Brian Hines of Pats Pulpit reported the absence on social media. The team has yet to provide a reason why the second-year wideout did not take the field.

While Polk is not listed on the physically unable to perform or non-football injury lists, his offseason shoulder procedure may offer some context. He wore a yellow jersey during spring workouts, a visual indicator he was participating in a limited capacity while working his way back from injury.

“Just trying to be careful and not have any issues… That’ll be the case throughout the season,” said head coach Mike Vrabel, as transcribed by Patriots team media. But Polk’s complete absence on Day One is noteworthy, especially with competition at wide receiver already heating up.

Polk appeared in 15 games as a rookie in 2024, starting seven and catching 12 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots selected him with the 37th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after a standout season at Washington, where he racked up 1,159 yards and nine scores.

But he’s no lock on the Patriots receiving depth chart. The additions of Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams along with DeMario Douglas’ strong showing last season have made the position room significantly more competitive.

Veterans Kendrick Bourne and Kayshon Boutte remain firmly in the mix, while undrafted rookie Efton Chism III continues to build momentum after a promising spring.

For Polk, though, the stakes are different. Once viewed as a key building block in New England’s reset, he now finds himself in a tough spot.

A quiet rookie season and lingering health concerns have narrowed his runway — and in a crowded room with limited jobs, every missed snap chips away at his footing.