At this point, three weeks into the NFL season, the Patriots have only one wide receiver with double-digit catches, and that’s Stefon Diggs with 13. In all, Patriots receivers have 35 of the team’s 77 receptions, so the problem does not appear to be that the team does not have enough receivers, just that it needs quarterback Drake Maye to look for them more.
But then, maybe the problem is not the receivers the team is putting on the field, but the ones the team is not. More specifically, the two rookie training camp stars–third-round pick Kyle Williams and undrafted free agent Efton Chism.
With the struggles that Pop Douglas has had in the slot, the question was raised on Wednesday: What’s happened to Chism, who has yet to be active this season on gameday?
Efton Chism Not Playing is a Coach’s Decision
Coach Mike Vrabel addressed what’s happened with Chism, who was outstanding in the two preseason appearances he made–12 catches (tied for fourth-most in the preseason) for 121 yards and two touchdowns. But the team has not had a place for Chism on Sundays.
“Just my decision each and every week,” Vrabel said. “We can only get five right now, we’ve only been taking five, so that can change each week. And he’s working hard, working in practice. We’ll evaluate that each week as to what his role would be and how he can help us. But that’s kind of where that is.”
The five the Patriots have gone with are Diggs, Douglas, Williams, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins, who has been more of a hybrid tight end than a receiver.
Patriots Hope to Get More for Kyle Williams
With the struggles from Douglas, who had a great training camp but has just five catches (on 13 targets) for 13 yards through three weeks, the Patriots could eventually take a look at Chism in the slot role. They have already been using Diggs in that spot more often.
But moving Diggs inside could, too, mean that the Patriots lean on Williams more. He has had just two catches this season, for 20 yards, and has played only 26 snaps.
“Hopefully. I mean, again, the ones we’ve thrown to him, he’s caught,” Vrabel said. “Just keep building a role for him, get everybody some opportunities and let the quarterback throw to the guy that’s open.”
GettyHead coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots
Patriots Plan With Stefon Diggs Still Unclear
Vrabel was also asked about the relative struggles of Diggs, who has the 13 catches on a very efficient 15 targets, but has only had 37.3 yards per game, about half his career norm (72.1 yards). Diggs is coming back from an ACL tear he suffered in October of 2024, and while he was not specific, Vrabel said Diggs’ role will fluctuate.
Diggs has played 54% of the Patriots snaps, well below the 75-85% norm for his career.
“I think it’s all going to change,” Vrabel said. “I think, through three games, seeing where it’s at, the packages that we’ve used and the stuff that we’ve asked some of these guys to do is just trying to find a role for each and every one of them. And I don’t think any of them are going to play 90% of the snaps.”
Patriots’ Vrabel Explains Camp Star Efton Chism Benching