It was a rough trip across the Atlantic for New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, and this week hasn’t gotten off to any better of a start. The Patriots’ second-round pick missed Wednesday’s practice.
Will he be available for his team’s Week 8 game against their AFC East rival, the New York Jets?
What Happened to Ja’Lynn Polk?
Polk was removed and did not return from last week’s 32-16 loss to Jacksonville. According to veteran ESPN NFL Nation Patriots reporter Mike Reiss, Polk is now in the NFL’s concussion protocol, putting his status for Week 8 in serious doubt.
WR Ja’Lynn Polk is in concussion protocol, per Jerod Mayo.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss)
Polk registered 34 snaps last week before leaving the game.
On the season, the 34th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has 10 receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown.
How Has Ja’Lynn Polk Performed This Season?
Week 7 in London is a bit of a microcosm of the season for Polk.
His 10 receptions on the season are modest but are even less impressive when considering they’ve come on 26 targets. Against Jacksonville last week, Polk failed to haul in any of his three targets, and he slipped on the turf when quarterback Drake Maye targeted him on a two-point conversion attempt.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo called out his entire team after the game, calling them “soft.” He also suggested that his rookie receiver was in a mental funk.
For his part, Maye, also a rookie, is attempting to instill confidence in his teammate.
“Pump him up,” Maye said. “That’s the biggest thing you can do — especially a guy coming in the same [draft] class, I’m first round, he’s the second-round pick. We built a connection early during camp, and during summer I felt like we had it going.”
QB Drake Maye on WR Ja’Lynn Polk’s struggles: “Pump him up. That’s the biggest thing you can do — especially a guy coming in the same [draft] class, I’m first round, he’s the second-round pick. We built a connection early during camp, and during summer I felt like we had it… pic.twitter.com/yd68sjIztr
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss)
Fantasy Impact of Ja’Lynn Polk’s Absence
It is unlikely Polk’s absence will have any impact on fantasy managers. He has not demonstrated any level of production or promise to justify a roster spot except for in exceptionally deep leagues or dynasty leagues.
A better pass-catching option on New England’s roster is DeMario Douglas. Although he has just one touchdown, he has hauled in 26 of his 36 targets for just over 250 yards and can operate out wide or from the slot.
Another option in New England for those short at the position or dealing with a bye week after Week 8 is tight end Hunter Henry. The veteran leads the Patriots in every significant receiving statistical category.
