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DeMario Douglas DeMario Douglas Labeled day-to-day
Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 12:05 PM
Coach Jerod Mayo said Friday that Douglas (hand) is "day-to-day" and only dealing with a minor injury, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: Douglas' hand injury has limited him from yet taking part in team drills at training camp, but it doesn't appear that he's dealing with anything long-term. The second-year pro reportedly impressed at spring practices, and once back on the field at training camp he'll work to continue building some positive momentum. There are opportunities up for grabs in New England's crowded wide receiver room -- and Douglas was one of the offense's lone bright spots as a rookie -- but he faces competition from 2024 second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk and fourth-rounder Javon Baker, as well as free-agency arrival K.J. Osborn. |
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DeMario Douglas DeMario Douglas Slowed by hand issue
Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 10:21 PM
Douglas has been limited by a hand injury for the last few days, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.
Analysis: Douglas drew strong reviews for his play during spring practice, potentially helping him separate himself in a crowded New England wide receiver room. That continued momentum from a solid rookie season, during which he posted 49 receptions for 561 yards in one of the worst offenses in the league, so he should have an advantage over newcomers such as K.J. Osborn and Javon Baker. Nevertheless, it will be important for him to get back on the field quickly to secure a role heading into the regular season. |
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Antonio Gibson Antonio Gibson Back at practice
Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 3:17 PM
Gibson (undisclosed) returned to practice Thursday, Paul Perillo of the Patriots' official site reports.
Analysis: Coach Jerod Mayo indicated Wednesday that Gibson wasn't expected to be out long term, and indeed the running back's stint on the active/non-football injury list was abbreviated. Now that he's back at practice, Gibson is poised to work in a key complementary role in the Patriots backfield alongside incumbent starter Rhamondre Stevenson. In that capacity, Gibson should have an opportunity to maintain a degree of fantasy value, considering that the team could lean on the ground game early on this season with a new QB -- either Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye -- in line to get the Week 1 starting nod. |
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JuJu Smith-Schuster JuJu Smith-Schuster Working ahead of youngsters
Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 11:45 AM
Smith-Schuster and K.J. Osborn were the first wide receivers through drills Thursday, Henry McKenna of FOX Sports reports.
Analysis: The new coaching staff in New England unsurprisingly seems to be deferring to the most experienced players at the start of training camp, but fantasy drafters figure to remain more interested in rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker as well as second-year pro DeMario Douglas. Competition for WR roles should be wide open, perhaps giving Smith-Schuster a chance to revive his career if he isn't totally washed up from a physical standpoint. Reports from spring practices weren't especially promising in that regard, even though Smith-Schuster is only 27 years old. |
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K.J. Osborn K.J. Osborn First through drills at camp
Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 11:42 AM
Osborn and JuJu Smith-Schuster were the first wide receivers through drills Thursday, Henry McKenna of FOX Sports reports.
Analysis: This is unlikely to change anyone's mind about rookie second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk and second-year pro DeMario Douglas being the New England wideouts generating the most fantasy attention. Osborn has a chance at a top-three role and quite a bit of playing time, but his output as the No. 3 receiver in Minnesota the past three seasons suggests he's highly unlikely to be targeted at a high rate even if he's on the field a lot. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Patriots in March, setting him up to compete with Polk, Douglas, Smith-Schuster, rookie fourth-round pick Javon Baker and (eventually) Kendrick Bourne (ACL tear). |
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Antonio Gibson Antonio Gibson Shouldn't be out long
Wed, Jul 24, 2024, 11:06 AM
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said Wednesday that Gibson (undisclosed) should return to practice "relatively soon," Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.
Analysis: Gibson is on the non-football injury/illness list for the start of training camp, after seemingly being a full participant in the offseason program. He'll presumably be the No. 2 running back once he's ready to practice, having signed with the Patriots in March on three-year, $11.25 million contract that includes $5.3 million guaranteed. It's good money by backup running back standards, and while Gibson will likely get most of his playing time on passing downs initially, his combination of size (six-foot, 228 pounds) and lead-back experience (258 carries in 2021) means there's potential for large workloads if starter Rhamondre Stevenson misses games. |
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Antonio Gibson Antonio Gibson Lands on NFI list
Tue, Jul 23, 2024, 4:50 PM
Gibson (undisclosed) has been placed on the Patriots' active/non-football injury list, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Gibson's unspecified issue will prevent him from practicing as training camp commences, but once he's cleared to re-take the field, he'll work toward cementing a key complementary role in New England's backfield alongside returning starter Rhamondre Stevenson. Given that the Patriots are slated to start the season with a new top QB (either Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye) and that there's uncertainly with regard to how the team's pass-catching corps will shake out, it's reasonable to expect that a ground game featuring Stevenson and Gibson could pace the attack early on in the 2024 campaign. |
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Kendrick Bourne Kendrick Bourne Opens camp on PUP list
Tue, Jul 23, 2024, 4:39 PM
Bourne (knee) will open training camp on the active/PUP list, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Bourne is bouncing back from a torn right ACL that he suffered last October, so it's not especially surprising that he isn't quite ready to practice as training camp opens. Previous reports relayed that Bourne anticipated being ready for Week 1 action, but while he's unavailable, DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Javon Baker, Jalen Reagor and Tyquan Thornton are slated to compete for slotting in the Patriots' re-tooled WR corps. |
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Drake Maye Drake Maye Behind Brissett to begin camp
Tue, Jul 23, 2024, 10:12 AM
Coach Jerod Mayo said Tuesday that Maye will have a chance to earn the Week 1 starting job even though Jacoby Brissett is viewed as the Patriots' No. 1 quarterback, Chris Mason of MassLive.com reports.
Analysis: "If [Maye] comes out here and he lights it up... it could absolutely happen," Mayo said, before adding that Bailey Zappe or Joe Milton could also win the job if they play well enough this summer. It's a lot of coach-speak, but the main point seems to be that Brissett will get most of the first-team reps early in training camp. Mayo also denied that concerns about the New England offensive line could factor into the QB decision, which is what you'd expect him to say publicly even if it isn't true. That said, Maye's status as the third overall pick in this year's draft means he'll almost certainly make starts at some point this season, even if the O-line struggles or other circumstances make immediate success unlikely. |
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Jacoby Brissett Jacoby Brissett Viewed as starter
Tue, Jul 23, 2024, 9:21 AM
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo reiterated Tuesday that Brissett is viewed as the team's starting quarterback, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.
Analysis: Mayo said, "I don't think there's any doubt," when reporters asked him about Brissett's standing at the top of the depth chart at the beginning of training camp. No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye will almost certainly get playing time this season, and possibly sooner rather than later, but the combination of a shaky offensive line and a veteran alternative at QB could inspire the Patriots to be more patient than other franchises might be with a top-five pick. The two guys drafted ahead of Maye this spring, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, appear well on their way to Week 1 starts. |
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Kayshon Boutte Kayshon Boutte Gambling charge dropped
Tue, Jul 16, 2024, 9:31 AM
The state of Louisiana dropped misdemeanor underage gambling and felony computer fraud charges against Boutte, the receiver's attorney announced Tuesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The 22-year-old was arrested in January in Baton Rouge, La. after he was alleged to have taken part in illegal sports betting while under the legal age of 21 during his time in college at LSU. Even while his legal situation was unresolved, Boutte was a full participant in spring practices for the Patriots, and he's unlikely to be subject to discipline from the NFL now that the charges have been dropped. A 2023 sixth-round draft pick, Boutte suited up for just five games as a rookie and will be fighting for a roster spot in a New England wide receiver group that lacks a true No. 1 option but has plenty of depth. |
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Ja'Lynn Polk Ja'Lynn Polk Clear path to No. 1 role?
Fri, Jul 12, 2024, 4:56 PM
Polk could secure the Patriots' top receiver spot to open the 2024 regular season if he impresses in training camp, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Polk, a rookie second-round pick, didn't begin the offseason working as a starter but has since worked his way up the depth chart, and he was a standout at mandatory minicamp. The Washington product is considered pro-ready as rookie, so though his combine workout numbers didn't strongly impress, he's refined enough to quickly hit the ground running and entrench himself as one of New England's most reliable targets in the passing game, especially if Kendrick Bourne (knee) isn't fully recovered from his ACL tear by Week 1. Graff projects Polk to get a large portion of first-team reps in training camp, so if he can translate that into some preseason momentum, it wouldn't be surprising for him to start the season ahead of Bourne, DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie fourth-rounder Javon Baker, especially if he can establish chemistry with Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. As a pro, Polk may ultimately be more of a possession receiver than a deep target, but he boasts the upside to become one of the most consistent options in the Patriots' air attack. |
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JuJu Smith-Schuster JuJu Smith-Schuster Fails to impress during OTAs
Sat, Jun 22, 2024, 1:09 PM
Smith-Schuster didn't look explosive at spring practices even though he says he's healthier than he was last year, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic.
Analysis: Graff notes that Smith-Schuster may end up competing with Kayshon Boutte, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor for one or two roster spots, with the locks at WR likely being DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne (knee), K.J. Osborn and rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. The final math will partially depend on whether the Patriots keep Reagor as a kick return specialist or prefer to deploy a returner that also has a considerable role on offense (e.g. Douglas or RB Antonio Gibson). Either way, Smith-Schuster's guaranteed $7 million salary won't necessarily ensure him of a spot on the team after he had 260 receiving yards in 11 games last season. Knee surgery last offseason may have impacted his speed and strength, but it was head and ankle injuries that ultimately led to six absences. |
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DeMario Douglas DeMario Douglas Shines at spring practices
Sat, Jun 22, 2024, 12:56 PM
Douglas was the Patriots' "best and most explosive playmaker" at spring practices, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic.
Analysis: Douglas led the team in receiving last season as a rookie sixth-round pick, albeit with only 561 yards and nary a touchdown. Around 65 percent of his snaps and production came from the slot, which presents a potential complication for a New England offense with three veteran WRs -- Kendrick Bourne (knee), K.J. Osborn and JuJu Smith-Schuster -- that are arguably at their best working inside. All three are at least 6-foot, 200 pounds, while Douglas is much shorter (5-foot-8, 192) but also the fastest (4.44 40) and most agile of the bunch. New Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt should find a way to keep Douglas involved, even if it means leaving Smith-Schuster and/or Osborn out of the rotation or bringing the team's rookie WRs along slowly (second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk and fourth-rounder Javon Baker). |
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Rhamondre Stevenson Rhamondre Stevenson Lands four-year extension
Thu, Jun 20, 2024, 2:41 PM
Stevenson has agreed to a four-year extension with the Patriots, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Per Schefter, Stevenson's deal is for $36 million, of which $17 million is reportedly guaranteed. The move to extend the 2021 fourth-rounder beyond his current pact solidifies the Patriots backfield ahead of Jerod Mayo's first season as head coach, and with the team transitioning at the QB position, look for Stevenson and fellow RB Antonio Gibson to be key drivers of New England's offense in 2024. Over the course of 12 regular-season games last season, Stevenson logged 156 carries for 619 yards and four touchdowns to go along with 38 catches for 238 yards on 51 targets. As training camp approaches, the 26-year-old has moved past the ankle issue that cost him time down the stretch in 2023, with Stevenson's new contract terms reflecting his continued status as his team's lead back. |
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Ja'Lynn Polk Ja'Lynn Polk Thrives at minicamp
Thu, Jun 13, 2024, 10:39 AM
Polk was one of New England's standouts at June minicamp, according to Phil Perry of NBC Sports.
Analysis: It sounds like he mostly caught passes from Jacoby Brissett, but there was also a rookie-to-rookie connection on the final play of minicamp when Drake Maye hit Polk for a practice-ending touchdown. Polk reportedly has been quick to learn OC Alex Van Pelt's playbook, and Perry suggests that Patriots brass believes the rookie has high-end physical skills (even though his combine workout numbers were mediocre, including a 4.52 40). While many viewed Polk as a draft reach at 37th overall, he's got a nice opportunity to earn immediate playing time in a New England offense where all the WR roles seem up for grabs. |
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Kayshon Boutte Kayshon Boutte Finishes up minicamp strong
Wed, Jun 12, 2024, 3:34 PM
Boutte turned in a strong effort during Wednesday's mandatory minicamp session, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.
Analysis: On the last day of minicamp practice prior to the Patriots' summer break, Boutte logged a team-high five catches during team drills, which Lazar notes included a sequence in which the 2023 sixth-rounder reeled in three consecutive scores. As the coming season approaches, Boutte will have to compete with the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor for slotting in a wideout corps that also includes Kendrick Bourne, who's bouncing back from a knee injury, as well as likely roster locks in the youthful trio of DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. Additionally, it's possible that Boutte could face NFL discipline stemming from his January arrest and subsequent charges of computer fraud and gaming prohibited for persons under 21. |
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Rhamondre Stevenson Rhamondre Stevenson Closing in on contract extension
Mon, Jun 10, 2024, 5:32 PM
Stevenson said Monday on the first day of mandatory minicamp that he and the Patriots are "pretty close" to terms on a new contract extension, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Stevenson said he's "trying to get the deal done and get it locked in" and that ongoing offseason negotiations are "not frustrating, but it's just a long process." As Stevenson enters the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, New England is looking ahead to a new era under coach Jerod Mayo, with quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye atop the depth chart. Keeping Stevenson under contract long-term would provide the team some stability on offense, especially with Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn and Javon Baker also representing new additions to the wide receiver room. Mayo called Stevenson "one of the better backs in the league" this spring and said "he is our starting running back," though the team did also bring in Antonio Gibson on a three-year, $11.25 million contract this offseason to act as a complementary backfield option. |
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Jacoby Brissett Jacoby Brissett Earns praise of offensive coordinator
Fri, Jun 7, 2024, 10:42 AM
Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt noted Tuesday that Brissett has had an "exceptional spring" while showing "great command of the offense," Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.
Analysis: While Drake Maye, who the team selected third overall in April's draft, has made a favorable impression on New England's coaching staff to date, Van Pelt reiterated that at this time, Brissett remains the starter as next week's mandatory minicamp approaches. Though Maye is destined to rise to the top of the depth chart down the road, Van Pelt has stressed that there's no timetable for that eventuality, noting that "it's a process. It's a marathon. We're going to take our time and do it the right way." In the meantime, Brissett figures to continue to handle the bulk of first-team practice reps followed by Maye, with Bailey Zappe and rookie Joe Milton also in the Patriots' signal-caller mix. |
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Drake Maye Drake Maye Impresses offensive coordinator
Wed, Jun 5, 2024, 4:39 PM
Since joining the Patriots, Maye has made a good impression on offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt,Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.
Analysis: "He's been impressive," Van Pelt noted Tuesday before the team's voluntary practice, during which Maye took No. 2 QB snaps behind Jacoby Brissett after having previously been the No. 3 option. Meanwhile, Van Pelt reiterated that Brissett remains viewed as the team's top signal caller at this stage, adding that there's no timetable for when Maye -- the No. 3 overall pick in April's draft -- might ascend to the top of the depth chart. "I think you have to take that as it comes," Van Pelt said. "There is no timetable. Jacoby, again, is our starter and he's playing excellent football for us in the spring. And Drake is coming on. So until that changes, we're going to stick with what we got." |
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