Pats Pulpit
It’s been a quiet start to the season for Patriots third-round pick Kyle Williams.
Through nine games, the rookie receiver has caught just two passes for 20 yards. However, Williams has played just 21 percent of the team’s offensive snaps to date — a workload that reflects the depth and productivity of New England’s veteran pass catchers atop the depth chart.
“I think Kyle’s doing a lot of really good things,” offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Thursday. “He’s a young player who’s come in, and some of the guys that have been in front of him have really done a nice job. I think that’s part of the role of a young player who’s trying to progress — you wait your turn, you get your opportunities, and hopefully you make some plays and continue to earn more.”
More could be on Williams’ plate this week in Tampa Bay.
After fellow wide receiver Kayshon Boutte exited last week’s early game with a hamstring injury, he’s yet to practiced either Wednesday or Thursday this week. That could put Williams in a feature role along the outside — an area head coach Mike Vrabel said the rookie is settling down in.
“He practices hard every day. He’s out there every day, which is an important part for a young player to develop. He knows what to do,” McDaniels added. He’s played multiple spots. He knows how to function in multiple spots, and we’ll see if there’s more opportunities as we go forward.”
Filling in for Boutte against the Falcons, Williams went on to play a season-high 31 snaps. Despite his lone target falling incomplete on what originally seemed like a miscommunication with quarterback Drake Maye, Williams flashed his ability to get off the line and create separation in a tough matchup vs. cornerback A.J. Terrell.
“I just got to give him a good ball to catch,” Maye said. “I can’t really think of any miscommunication I’ve had with Kyle. I think he’s done a good job when he’s in there, and he’s doing a good job in practice. I’m really proud of what the guys have done in that room and will continue to do it.”
