The Patriots are set to play in their final preseason game of the 2025 offseason on Thursday night against the Giants, which means several players who are still vying for a spot on the roster will have one last chance to impress the coaching staff. There is a long list of names who need to have a good performance to get on the coach's radar, in hopes of, at the very least, making the practice squad during next week's roster cutdown.
But some won't have that opportunity due to an injury that strips them of the chance to take the field against New York. One of those players is second-year receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, who faced an uphill battle this offseason to make the team after a rookie year that left a lot to be desired.
He began training camp away from the team with an injury and now, according to NFL insiders, he won't be able to play this fall, as he will be undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery instead.
Sources: #Patriots WR Ja'Lynn Polk will miss the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 21, 2025
The 2024 second-round pick saw multiple specialists, and surgery was determined to be the best course of action — with the goal of being fully healthy for 2026. pic.twitter.com/Ee3okqZ7QX
It's a tough situation for the roster hopeful to be in, as he felt a new coaching staff and a fresh season were exactly what was needed to give him another chance at making the roster. Instead, he will be hoping the 2026 season will be that chance.
Ja'Lynn Polk's status now creates a big opportunity for other roster hopefuls
Leading up to the news about his shoulder surgery, there was plenty of talk about Polk missing some time at the start of the year, if not being traded or cut instead. Now that we know he will be sidelined for the year, this creates an opportunity for other roster bubble receivers to sneak in and grab his possible spot.
That includes another 2024 draft pick, Javon Baker, who reportedly traveled for the game on Thursday despite having not practiced much this week. Another name to watch is Kendrick Bourne, who seemed like he should be a lock to make the team, but that hasn't been the case this summer.
Because he had the best season of his career with the Patriots in 2021, which happened to be by working with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the assumption has been that it would be a major reason for him to be on the team. However, injuries and a lack of integration into the offensive plans at practice have hinted at a different future for Bourne, potentially being part of a trade package.
Now that Polk won't be competing, that could strengthen Bourne's case to make the team. But it all depends on how many receivers the Patriots are willing to carry, and at this point, it's fair to assume that at least five players have already secured their lockers for next season.