For Patriots wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, the team’s second-round pick in 2024, his rookie season was more than underwhelming. In 15 games last season, Polk caught just 12 passes for 87 yards. PFF graded him No. 133 out of 133 wide receivers for 2024.
That’s pretty safely in “bust” territory. Still, given the dysfunction all over the offense last year, it was probably not fair to size up Polk based only on that season. The problem, though, is that the Patriots brought in a new regime for 2025, led by coach Mike Vrabel, and with very little allegiance to the high draft picks of recent years, Polk appeared to be in trouble when it comes to making the roster this season.
Now comes very bad news for Polk: According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Polk will be out for the year with a shoulder injury.
Ja’Lynn Polk Was a Long Shot for the Patriots
Wrote Schultz on Thursday: “Sources: #Patriots WR Ja’Lynn Polk will miss the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery. 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.”
Even without the injury, Polk was fighting for a spot with the Patriots in a crowded receiver room–and he was not likely to keep a spot. He suffered a shoulder injury in 2024, too.
The Patriots has a pair of veteran signees–Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins–who are joining rookie third-round pick Kyle Williams and undrafted rookie sensation Efton Chism. Those four new guys are locks to make the roster.
Pop Douglas, last year’s top receiver, is a sure bet, too. That’s five receivers, and the team will have decisions to make on players like Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne and Kayshon Boutte, who is considered likely to make the final roster.
Patriots WR Ja’Lynn Polk Gets Devastating Injury News Amid Cut Speculation