Patriots rookie in the doghouse could finally play in week two game

There was a lot of excitement leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft about the Patriots’ potential selections, especially since they had some coveted positions in the early rounds. It was clear that they would take a quarterback with their first-round pick, and it was assumed that a wide receiver would be next on the priority list.

That’s exactly the path the new regime took, selecting Ja’Lynn Polk from Washington in the second round and Javon Baker from UCF two rounds later.

It was a much-needed one-two punch at a weak position on the team, and while they weren’t among the best in their class, they were explosive players with plenty of potential to make an impact in an NFL offense. Pairing Baker and Polk with Drake Maye seemed like a great start to the young quarterback’s tenure, and when the trio played well together all summer, the decision was even better.

Baker began the summer with flashier plays that got fans excited about the state of the receiver group. Not long after, Polk took over and dominated on the practice field. Unfortunately, despite his impressive talent, Baker’s performance declined throughout his college career.

He had moments in preseason games that proved he could be a major threat to the Patriots’ developing offense, even if most of his passes weren’t caught. The receiver then ended the summer falling out of favor for his social media activity, which the new regime didn’t like, and he was apparently benched for last week’s season opener.

There are many questions about Baker’s availability heading into Week 2, even more so since Polk was not heavily involved in the game plan against the Bengals.

Although Jerod Mayo said he still has a lot of development to do, wide receiver coach Tyler Hughes suggested Baker could be available sooner rather than later.

Aside from the initial excitement that the Patriots had finally signed two promising pass catchers, Baker’s highlight video garnered strong reactions from fans who believed he could be a secret weapon in a young offense.

This is partly why his apparent drop in performance during the preseason was all the more disappointing, and the punishment for his social media post didn’t help matters.

Amid concerns about his availability, Hughes reiterated to reporters this week that Baker is on the right track in his development and assured those involved that he is confident we will see more of him on the field as the season progresses, given the opportunity.

“I think he’s on track with his development and where he is right now. I think he’s doing some good things. I think we’ll see more and more of him as the season goes on… obviously he’s got to continue to earn those opportunities and when he gets them, he’s got to make them work.”

As he works with the receivers every day, it’s certainly reassuring to hear that Baker is still making progress and doing what he needs to do in practice. Hopefully Hughes is right about him getting more chances to be on the field in a regular season game, because he seems to have the skills that could completely change the Patriots’ offense, especially with Kendrick Bourne missing at least three more games.