Why haven’t the Patriots played Efton Chism yet? Mike Vrabel explains.

"We'll evaluate that each week as to what his role would be and how he can help us."

Efton Chism scores a touchdown during a Patriots-Vikings preseason game in August. AP Photo/Abbie Parr

September 24, 2025

3 minutes to read

FOXBOROUGH – Efton Chism was a training camp star, but the rookie wide receiver has yet to see the field for the Patriots through three regular season games.

Right now, with the Patriots carrying six wide receivers and dressing five for the games, Chism is the odd man out.

But with Hunter Henry being the only Patriots pass-catcher averaging more than five targets per game, there could be room in the future for New England to experiment with some different receiver groupings.

Chism’s absence hasn’t been because of injury, coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Wednesday. Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams are ahead of Chism on the depth chart.

“Just my decision each and every week,” Vrabel said. “We can only get five right now, we’ve only been taking five, so that can change each week. And he’s working hard, working in practice. We’ll evaluate that each week as to what his role would be and how he can help us. But that’s kind of where that is.”

Last week, Patriots receivers coach Todd Downing said he is confident that Chism will get an opportunity soon. However, the rookie has needed some time to adjust to the NFL and soak up knowledge on how to play multiple positions within the Patriots’ offense.

“He’s learning his pro routine. He’s tied at the hip with Mack [Hollins], so those two are together all the time,” Downing said. “He’s learning how to prepare his body, he’s learning how to recover from heavy loads on practice days and things like that. He’s also learning how to be versatile throughout the whole offense, not just playing slot receiver like he spent most of his time in training camp.”

“He’s learning all the positions, because a lot of times that fourth or fifth and even sixth receiver on game day, you’ve got to be able to plug and play him anywhere that somebody needs a shoelace.”

Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, recalled sitting out the first three games of his rookie season after having what he called a “good a** training camp.” He spoke with both Chism and Williams at the beginning of the season about how to approach the situation.

“I was telling them they had a good camp and let that be just that,” Diggs said. “You had a good camp. Roll into the season with the same mindset. Work equally as hard. I didn’t play the first three games of the season.

“I was in a sweatsuit. Kyle was fortunate enough, mixing it up a little bit,” Diggs continued. “I didn’t play at all, I had sunflower seeds and Gatorade. I watched a lot of football, so I kind of look at it and give them my gems of just staying at it each and every day. Don’t get lost in it because you never know when your opportunity is.”

Boutte and Hollins have seen the bulk of the Patriots’ snaps at wide receiver, with Diggs returning to form after undergoing offseason ACL surgery. Diggs and Hollins have started all three games. Boutte started the opener, but the Patriots began the past two games with a two-tight end look featuring Henry and Austin Hooper.

Douglas, one of the Patriots’ most productive receivers over the past few years, has seen his role diminish to 43 percent of New England’s offensive snaps. He plays the slot, which is where Chism saw the bulk of his action during training camp.

There’s also the possibility of the Patriots moving Diggs into the slot. The adjustment wouldn’t be anything new for the 11-year veteran.

“I’ve played in the slot a lot, I’m not uncomfortable anywhere,” Diggs said. “It’s just wherever they need me at this point. I have no issues whether it’s outside or inside.”

Versatility could be a key trait to help Chism get on the field. The more things he can do, the better chance he’ll have for the coaches to give him a shot.

“He’s really evolved in that way too, and that’s fun to see. I love where he’s at,” Downing said. “He happens to be in a room with five other talented guys on the active [roster] and I know his time will come soon.”

Khari A. Thompson

Sports Reporter

Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.