It wasn’t clear when or even where New England Patriots receiver Ja’Lynn Polk would start his season, but we now know he reportedly won’t get a chance to do so at all.
Polk, the Patriots’ 2024 second-round pick, is undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, according to multiple reports. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report the news.
The wideout hadn’t practiced since suffering the injury in New England’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders.
It’s obviously a brutal setback for any player, but it’s especially tough for Polk, who was trying to put a forgetful rookie season in the rear-view mirror. The Patriots selected him with the 37th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Washington.
Polk appeared in 15 games for the Patriots in his rookie season, starting seven of them, and only managed to catch 12 of his 33 targets for 87 yards. He did score two touchdowns, but it was a largely forgettable first impression.
Making the roster was no guarantee for Polk. New England has a crowded receiver room, and Polk was looking more and more like a potential cut candidate. There was also talk New England could look to trade him before the season begins.
This makes the remaining roster decisions at receiver even easier for the Patriots. It likely means Efton Chism III, an undrafted rookie who has turned heads at times in the preseason, will make the roster.
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