For the first time in many years, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the Patriots' receiving corps, as the group looks to have been adequately upgraded by the new regime led by Mike Vrabel this offseason. The addition of Stefon Diggs was an immediate game-changer, along with Mack Hollins, a big body for Drake Maye to utilize, and explosive rookie Kyle Williams, expectations were high going into Week 1 regarding how the group would perform.
Although we didn't get to see too much flash from most of the group beyond Kayshon Boutte, they certainly looked more solid than they have in recent years. But at the same time, fans were frustrated over seeing rising star UDFA Efton Chism III on the inactive list, meaning they'd have to wait a bit longer to see his NFL debut.
Because he had such an impressive summer, most believed Chism was the secret weapon the offense has long needed and could make an impact as soon as the season started. That wasn't the case, obviously, and now questions have begun to come up about when the rookie might actually see the field.
Based on some projections from Patriots beat reporters prior to the season, it looks like it will be a lot longer than fans might have hoped to see him in a game.
Efton Chism's NFL debut is put on hold by the Patriots for the time being
Given that the current wide receiver roster is six players deep, it's inevitable that someone would be inactive on game day, and so far, that player has unshockingly been Chism. Despite fans wanting to see what he can do in a regular season game, the cards are stacked against him in leapfrogging the players ahead of him on the depth chart, so it might be a while before he's not a healthy scratch.
That's the prediction that the Boston Herald's Doug Kyed had before the season began, sharing his belief that an injury or poor offensive performance will likely be what opens the door for Chism to be suited up on Sunday.
"But obviously, Chism showed enough in training camp and the preseason to make the 53-man roster. It might take an injury or sputtering offensive production for Chism to get on the field."
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It certainly makes sense given the other receivers on the team and Chism's biggest competition to get involved on game day is Williams. But the Patriots spent a third round selection on him, so it's hard to believe they would scratch him instead, unless he turned out to be another bust.
We haven't seen any indication of that yet through practice, as he only had limited opportunities against the Raiders last Sunday. His production is only expected to grow, which in turn means Chism's chances of being active begin to decrease.
There could be an opening if someone like Hollins isn't productive. He was a bit of a wild card signing for the Patriots this offseason and hasn't shown to be a reliable option for Maye to work with just yet. So if that doesn't change, there's a possibility Chism is given the start.