New England wrapped Day 14 of training camp with a sharp focus on kicking, depth at running back, and situational reps ahead of joint practices with Minnesota. The kicker duel between John Parker Romo and Andy Borregales cooled briefly after a stretch of clean work, but long-range attempts from 30-50+ were imperfect for both, underscoring how tight the roster race remains. Running back depth took another hit as Lan Larison landed on IR, Stevenson and Prince were sidelined, and the on-field group condensed to Henderson, Gibson, and Hasty. Javon Baker supplied a highlight with a leaping catch, Kyle Dugger remained with the second team, and Woodson continued to see reps ahead of peers. Attendance gaps included Stevenson, Prince, Gonzalez, Henry, Polk, Bourne, Mapu, James, Tavai, Ponder, and Farmer, signaling continued tinkering of depth and roles. The squad heads to Minnesota for joint practices before Saturday’s game, a crucial preview for the second preseason outing and ongoing evaluation of special-teams and backfield options.

Javon Baker and Efton Chism III are splitting reps with the New England Patriots' first-team offense in camp, signaling a serious push for a roster spot. Baker has quietly stacked solid days, contributing on special teams and racking up dependable moments, while Chism, an undrafted rookie, piled up six catches for 50 yards and a TD in Friday’s preseason opener and followed with a standout play at Sunday’s practice. Together they are emerging as dark-horse candidates to earn a final roster spot and potential role in the passing game.

As joint practices with the Vikings loom and Saturday’s preseason game approaches, both players can solidify their cases by showing reliability, route nuance, and playmaking ability in live drills. If they keep delivering in practice and translate that momentum to the game, Baker and Chism could become real late-round depth options for fantasy rosters, and could push for increased snaps as the Patriots refine their wide receiver corps.

The New England Patriots are gearing up for a highly competitive training camp at the wide receiver position, a necessary move following years of underperformance. With recent signings, including four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs and rookie Kyle Williams, the receiving corps could finally see some rejuvenation.

Coach Mike Vrabel's strategic acquisitions aim to bolster a lineup that has suffered from poor draft decisions and free agency errors. Only 53 spots are available on the roster, leading to tough decisions as the Patriots evaluate the 12 wide receivers currently on the team. Key contenders like Diggs and Williams are set to lead, but numerous others will compete for their place.

The New England Patriots are making significant changes to their wide receiver corps, aiming for a more dynamic offense. The team has recruited Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins while also selecting Kyle Williams in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Undrafted free agent Efton Chism III has impressed during the offseason, potentially complicating the roster decisions for several draft picks from 2024.

Notably, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, both recent draft selections, are now at risk of being cut as the competition intensifies. If Chism continues to perform well, he could secure a roster spot, leaving Polk and Baker on the outside looking in, emphasizing the competitive nature of NFL rosters as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

Javon Baker, a second-year wide receiver for the New England Patriots, is gearing up for a competitive training camp, having expressed a personal commitment through a motivational social media post. With a crowded receiver group that includes newcomers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, Baker's previous performance raises doubts about his roster spot. Though he displayed potential, he struggled with consistency last season, needing a strong showing to secure his place on the 53-man roster.