Patriots extra points: What they’re saying about Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker
A youth movement? Expect to see more out of Patriots rookie wide receivers Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker this week.
FOXBORO — Expect to see more playing time out of Patriots rookie wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker against the Bears.
The two 2024 draft picks combined for just 13 snaps in last week’s loss to the Titans. Polk, a second-rounder, was targeted once and was flagged twice in the game. Baker didn’t receive any targets and has yet to catch his first NFL pass.
“Just got to get him in there and get him acclimated again, get him back in there and find some targets for him,” Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said of Polk on Thursday morning. “Very capable receiver, loved what he did in college. Had a great summer for us. Just gotta get him reset and get back into it.”
Van Pelt said he can see Baker getting more reps this week in Chicago.
“He’s an explosive player. Comes off the ball extremely hard. He stresses defensive backs in coverage,” Van Pelt said of the fourth-round pick. “He’s elusive, he’s really wiggly at the top of the routes and can create separation. There’s a lot to like.”
Extra points
It appears that former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones could start for the Jaguars on Sunday against the Vikings. Jags starter Trevor Lawrence is “day to day” with a left shoulder injury and is unlikely to start this week, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport … The Patriots announced they’ll wear white jerseys on silver pants this weekend against the Bears … Van Pelt called Drake Maye’s 11.8-second scramble drill touchdown to send last week’s loss into overtime, “One of the best plays I’ve seen in a long time” … Van Pelt has seen “huge growth” from rookie tight end Jaheim Bell, who hauled in his first career catch last week.
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