Patriots rookie receivers ready to step up with multiple veterans out vs. Jets

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Patriots rookie receivers ready to step up with multiple veterans out vs. Jets

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Sun, Dec 28, 2025 ·

3 min read

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Leading up to Sunday, Patriots veteran receivers were in the ears of Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III .

With several productive veterans out, the message to the rookie receivers was simple: Make the most of this opportunity.

It’s a message that has resonated with Williams and Chism as they move up the depth chart against the New York Jets . With Kayshon Boutte (concussion) inactive and Mack Hollins (abdomen) on the injured reserve, it’s time for the Patriots ’ young receivers to make their mark.

Williams and Chism said they took the advice given to them to heart this week.

“Just take advantage of your opportunity. You never know when this is going to come back,” Williams said of the advice received. “Just make the most of it, and this can shape how you want your future to go. We’re just trying to take advantage of what’s in front of us and make the most of what’s given to us.”

“Really, what I keep hearing is, ‘Man, be you,’” Chism added. “Because sometimes you get in the moment, you start thinking about things – you want it to go a certain way, but go out there and just be yourself and play ball.”

The Patriots’ offense was dealt a blow when the team placed Hollins on the injured reserve. The veteran is third on the team in receptions (46) and receiving yards (550). Hollins has also played the most offensive snaps (657) among all Patriots’ receivers.

On Sunday, the team is also without Boutte, who is fourth on the team in receiving (527) and tied for first in receiving touchdowns (6). Without the two veterans, the Patriots’ receiver depth chart is down to Stefon Diggs , DeMario Douglas , Williams, and Chism. Diggs leads the Patriots in receptions (76) and receiving yards (869). Douglas is fifth on the team with 408 receiving yards.

Williams has had some big moments this season with limited opportunities. The third-round pick comes into Sunday’s matchup with seven receptions for 183 yards and three touchdowns. He said he’s been preparing for a bigger role.

“It just starts through the week,” Williams said. “Just staying on top of things and meeting with the vets who’ve been in the game and understand how things are supposed to be ran. Asking them questions. Just staying on top of the game plan. I feel the better we stay on top of the game plan, the more prepared and confident we feel.”

For Chism, the elevated opportunity means the chance for his first NFL catch. The undrafted rookie has played in six games this season and has 16 kickoff returns, but no targets on 25 offensive snaps.

Chism plans on treating Sunday’s game no bigger than any other.

“Just go out there and play the ball that I grew up playing. Not try to overthink it too much,” Chism said. “Try not to put too much pressure on myself. Just go out there and play football. We have great coaches, great guys around me that have allowed me to continue to get better as the weeks went on. I’m just excited.”

The Patriots inactives are as follows: Boutte, Marcus Bryant , Tommy DeVito , Harold Landry (knee), Jared Wilson (concussion), Robert Spillane (ankle), and Khyiris Tonga (foot).

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