Ja’Lynn Polk had been viewed as a candidate to miss final roster cuts with the Patriots this summer. The second-year wideout’s attention will now turn to matter of recovery, however. 
Polk is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. Multiple specialists were consulted before the decision was made to move forward with the procedure, he adds. Polk will now aim to return to full health in time for the 2026 campaign.
Selected in the second round of last year’s draft, Polk entered the league with high expectations based on his success at the college level. The Texas Tech product transferred to Washington in 2021 and enjoyed a strong finish to his career with the Huskies. His final season produced personal bests in catches (69), yards (1,159) and touchdowns (nine).
During his rookie campaign with New England, though, Polk made just 12 catches on 33 targets. The team’s offense as a whole struggled mightily last season, leading to a slew of changes over the past several months. With a new regime in place, Polk – along with fellow 2024 draftee Javon Baker – loomed as a cut candidate at the end of training camp. Given today’s news, he can simply be moved to injured reserve and retained through next year.
The Patriots are positioned to move forward with Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas as starters at the receiver spot. Rookie Kyle Williams and Kendrick Bourne (presuming the latter is not released next week) are also set to have a role in the passing game in 2025, while undrafted free agent Efton Chism has enjoyed a strong camp to the point where is expected to make the Week 1 roster. A decision will not need to be with respect to Polk anymore, but Baker’s status will be worth monitoring over the coming days.
By the time he is back to full strength in 2026, Polk will have two years remaining on his rookie contract. His Patriots future will presumably be unclear once again at that point, and a decision on retaining him or moving on will be impacted by the performance of New England’s other wideouts this season.
Absolutely brutal. I liked him as a prospect coming out, even if he might have been a tick overdrafted. He seemed like his head hadn’t caught up to the pro level last year, now this. Hard to have a rougher start.
To be honest, it may he the best thing for him. He should he healed and have time to work on his game before next year. He was facing the likelihood of being cut and having to work up in an entirely new place. He’ll be on thin ice come next camp, but he’ll have the talent to push for a spot at least. It also gives the team the chance to retain a talented player but also get some clarity on the future of Boutte, Williams, Douglas, and Chism.
I get what you’re saying, but missing your whole second season after a rough first one is not for the best.
Well, best is relative. Best case would be to start and kill it. But realistically, he didnt have a roster spot, and would have to earn his keep elsewhere. Being able to stick around a team with teammates you know, and learn a system on the side to be prepared for next year is a plus IMO.
A fresh start would be better than an injury and a lost year.
Now it is time to trade Bourne… the Chiefs and Broncos just traded WR’s…. Big Mouth Wolfe needs to stop yapping to the press and do his friggin job.
He does yap a lot huh lol
No mention of Hollins. Maybe the author wants to forget that signing? haha
Hollins is going to play a lot. This pats team is going to be running the ball a ton and he’s their best blocking WR.
I actually felt Buffalo should have kept him but they are hoping Coleman makes a bigger jump.
Good luck next year bro.
A redshirt season. Exactly what he needed.