Pats Pulpit
Despite being one of the New England Patriots’ training camp standouts, wide receiver Efton Chism III has yet to spend a a game day on the active roster.
With a handful of established veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, Chism has then spent the early weeks of the season expanding his grasp of the offense. That includes learning wide receiver positions beyond his natural slot role in order to hive himself more chances to contribute.
“He’s also learning to be versatile throughout the whole offense, not just playing slot receiver like he spent most of his time in training camp,” wide receiver coach Todd Downing said Thursday. “He’s learning all the positions, because a lot of the times that fourth, fifth or even sixth receiver on game day, you have to be able to plug and play him anywhere if somebody needs a shoelace.
“He’s really evolved in that way too, and that’s fun to see. Love where he’s at. Happens to be in a room with five other talented guys on the active [roster].”
Chism, who finished the summer dealing working through a leg injury, has also leaned on the team’s veterans to build out his regular season routine in the early portions of his career.
“He’s learning his pro routine. He’s tied at the hip with Mack [Hollins], so those two are together all the time,” Downing added. “He’s learning how to prepare his body. He’s learning how to recover from heavy loads on practice days and things like that.”
With Chism inactive, New England has relied upon Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams through two weeks. Diggs, Boutte, and Hollins have established themselves as the top three options, while Douglas, who played just 15 snaps last week in Miami, may be headed towards a more game-plan-specific role.
That could leave the door open for Chism’s opportunity at some point down the road. And while his debut remains on hold, Downing is confident his chance will come.
“I know his time will come soon,” he stated.
