Patriots WR Aims for Fully Healthy Return Next Season

As the New England Patriots prepare for the upcoming NFL season, one player sure to be conspicuous by his absence will be second-year receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.

In addition to missing the Pats’ preseason finale on Thursday night against the New York Giants, Polk will miss the entire season due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

“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,” Schultz added.

Chosen at number 37 overall by the Pats in the 2024 NFL Draft, Polk entered training camp with high expectations — largely driven by a desire to improve upon an underwhelming rookie season which saw him compile just 87 yards on 12 catches and two touchdowns.

Unfortunately, his health caused him to miss more time on the practice fields than he saw in 2025.

Due to passing his initial physical, Polk was unable to be placed on the physically unable to participate (PUP) list to start training camp. As a result, his participation was relegated to a “day-to-day” basis. Still, the 23-year-old missed the first week of camp practices with soreness in his lower body.

Polk returned to the team drills in time to suit up for New England’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders on Aug. 8. Unfortunately, he left the game in the second quarter after suffering a right shoulder injury. The Washington product went to the ground after earning a yard on a jet sweep, and remained there for several moments. Polk eventually left the field for the blue medical tent on the sidelines before heading to the locker room. Since that time, he missed New England’s second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, while his time on the practice fields has been nearly non-existent.

Aside from dealing with health issues, Polk also faced an onslaught of standout camp performers within the Patriots receivers group. Undrafted rookie Efton Chism III, third-year wideout Kayshon Boutte, veteran acquisition Mack Hollins and fellow 2024 draftee Javon Baker appeared to leapfrog Polk within the team’s depth chart. As such, quite a few questions had been raised not only pertaining to his health, but also speculation surrounding him being a roster casualty, either via trade or final cuts.

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (1) makes a one-hand catch during training camp. — Jul 28, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (1) makes a one-hand catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Alas, Polk’s placement on season-ending injured reserve forestalls his judgment, at least for the time being. Though he will face an arduous recovery, his time away from the field might help to save what could still be a productive relationship with the Patriots.

Polk originally joined the Washington Huskies as a transfer from Texas Tech in 2021. Since that time, he developed into a versatile receiver, capable of winning his matchups both on the inside and the outside. In 2023, totaled 73 receptions for 1,191 yards and 10 touchdowns — logging seven 100-yard receiving games, including a standout 122-yard performance against Texas in the Sugar Bowl.

Known primarily for his skill and power at the catch point, Polk has the chance to become a solid “X’ receiver at the pro level. The 6’2” 204-pound wideout is at his best while making contested catches, especially in tight windows. He was able to thrive in Washington’s offense which featured a lot of option routes and routes based on safety leverage. Though he may lack the breakaway speed of some of his teammates, his overall versatile skillset should translate well in New England’s receiver room next season — if healthy.

Though the possibility of being waived with an injury designation leaves the door open for an eventual parting of ways between both parties, New England might be wise to consider Polk’s potential before cutting ties prior to the start of next season. The receiver’s determination should add extra motivation to prove his doubters wrong in 2026.

As for the Patriots, their receivers room now consists of Chism, Hollins, Boutte, Baker, Kendrick Bourne, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, John Jiles, Phil Lutz, Jeremiah Webb and rookie Kyle Williams with final roster cuts set to be made on Aug. 26.

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