The New England Patriots are staring down one of their most challenging weekends of the season, as a wave of injuries has left their roster looking thinner than ever ahead of their pivotal Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets. With playoff hopes still flickering, the Patriots’ depth will be tested like never before, and all eyes are on undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III, who is poised to step into the spotlight after a season spent mostly on the sidelines and special teams.
Head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t mince words when addressing the team’s injury woes during his Friday press conference. “Everybody deals with it,” Vrabel said, his tone pragmatic but determined. “It’s not something that’s new to the National Football League, to me or anybody else. We’ll elevate some guys, have to sign some guys and go from there.” That ‘next man up’ mentality will be crucial as New England prepares to face the Jets without five starters, including key wide receivers Kayshon Boutte (concussion) and Mack Hollins (abdomen), both officially ruled out for Sunday’s contest. Hollins, in fact, was placed on injured reserve just a day before the game, further depleting the Patriots’ receiving corps.
To compound matters, DeMario Douglas is listed as questionable with a hamstring issue, leaving Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams as the only healthy regulars at wide receiver. The sudden vacuum presents a golden opportunity for Chism, who has yet to record a single regular season target but now could see significant snaps in one of the most critical games of the year. “It looks by all accounts that [Chism will] get opportunities ... You’d be hard pressed to find players that work harder than him,” Vrabel said, praising the rookie’s relentless work ethic and preparation.
Chism’s journey to this moment is nothing short of remarkable. A standout at Eastern Washington, he racked up 346 catches for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns over 53 collegiate games. His 2024 senior season was one for the record books: Chism set the school’s single-season receptions mark with 120 catches—surpassing none other than Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp’s previous high of 117. He also set the FCS record for consecutive games with at least one reception, notching a catch in all 53 contests of his college career.
Despite those eye-popping numbers, Chism went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, with scouts citing concerns about his size (5'10", 195 lbs) and the jump in competition from the FCS to the NFL. But a personal call from Vrabel convinced Chism to sign with the Patriots as a free agent, and he wasted no time making an impression. During training camp, his quickness and sharp route-running drew raves from the coaching staff and even attracted interest from six other NFL teams during the pre-draft process. Chism’s preseason was even more impressive: in just two exhibition games, he led the team with 12 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his hands and elusiveness after the catch.
Former NFL players and local media quickly began drawing comparisons between Chism and past undersized Patriots slot receivers who became household names—Julian Edelman and Wes Welker. “Easy to see the quickness and change of direction ability from an early practice drill,” noted one observer after a particularly sharp preseason showing. Despite his strong preseason, Chism’s role during the regular season has been limited, overshadowed by established veterans and deeper options on the depth chart. He was inactive for the first five games and has primarily contributed on special teams, returning 16 kickoffs for 383 yards—including a long of 31 yards. His NFL debut in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints was his most productive game to date, as he returned five kicks for 129 yards, with a long of 28.
Now, with injuries mounting and the season on the line, Chism is expected to take on his largest role yet. The Patriots’ official game day roster for Sunday lists only four active wide receivers: Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas (questionable), and Chism, who is also the team’s primary kick returner. Tight end C.J. Dippre and outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson are among other reserves expected to see increased action due to the depleted ranks. At left guard, Ben Brown will start for Jared Wilson, while the defensive tackle spot typically anchored by Khyiris Tonga will be filled by a committee of rotational players. The absence of edge rusher Harold Landry opens the door for Anfernee Jennings and Elijah Ponder, while linebacker Robert Spillane’s absence puts Jack Gibbens in the starting lineup.
It’s not just the offense feeling the pinch. The defense will be without stalwart tackle Milton Williams, who returned to practice earlier in the week but remains on injured reserve with an ankle injury suffered in the first Jets game. In total, thirteen Patriots are on injured reserve, including Hollins, with another seven listed as inactive for Sunday’s game. The practice squad is similarly packed, as New England continues to shuffle personnel to plug roster holes.
For Chism, Sunday’s game represents more than just a chance to prove himself—it’s a shot at rewriting the narrative for undrafted players everywhere. “You’d be hard pressed to find players that work harder than him,” Vrabel reiterated, signaling the coaching staff’s confidence in the rookie’s ability to rise to the occasion. With the Patriots’ playoff fate potentially hanging in the balance, Chism’s performance could be a deciding factor—not just for New England’s postseason hopes, but for his own future in the league.
Meanwhile, the Patriots’ opponents, the New York Jets, will be looking to capitalize on New England’s battered lineup. But the Patriots have made a habit of defying expectations, especially when their backs are against the wall. Will Chism’s storybook rise continue on Sunday, or will the Jets spoil his coming-out party? As the action unfolds at Gillette Stadium, one thing is certain: the Patriots’ resolve will be tested, and a new chapter in their season—and perhaps in Chism’s career—is about to be written.
With kickoff looming and the depth chart in flux, all eyes will be on Efton Chism III and a patchwork Patriots squad as they look to keep their playoff dreams alive. It’s a moment made for surprises, and if recent history is any guide, New England’s next man up just might be ready for his close-up.
