JA'LYNN POLK NEWS

Catches TD in Week 10 Polk, who was on the field for 26 of a possible 64 snaps on offense in Sunday's 19-3 win over the Bears, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, caught his only target in the contest for a two...

Impact Polk, who was in the Patriots' starting alignment along with fellow wideout Kayshon Boutte, continues to see limited volume in New England's offense, which limits his current fantasy lineup utility. That said, his usage going forward is worth monitoring, as it's plausible that the 2024 second-rounder could pick up the pace in terms of his production as the season rolls along.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Limited snaps in return Polk logged nine of a possible 69 snaps on offense in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to the Titans, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Polk, who was inactive Week 8 due to a concussion, returned to the mix Sunday, but saw limited playing time and didn't catch his only target in the contest. For now, he's behind DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne in the Patriots' wideout pecking order, and until that changes Polk won't be a reliable fantasy lineup option.

NOVEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared for Week 9 action Polk (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Impact Polk was inactive for past Sunday's game against the Jets, but after practicing fully both Thursday and Friday, he's been cleared for Week 9 action. However, while returning to a New England wideout corps that features DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne, Polk profile as a hit-or-miss fantasy option versus Tennessee. Through seven games to date, the 2024 second-rounder has recorded 10 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets.

NOVEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Practices fully Thursday Polk (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

Impact After being limited Wednesday, Polk upgraded to full participation a day later, which has the 2024 second-rounder trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans. If cleared for Week 9 action, Polk would profile as a hit-or-miss fantasy option in a New England wideout corps that features DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne.

OCTOBER 31 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to limited practice Polk (concussion) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Impact Polk didn't practice ahead the Patriots' win over the Jets this past Sunday, but the wideout's ability to practice Wednesday indicates that he's progressing through the NFL's concussion protocol. If the 2024 second-rounder -- who's had issues with drops this season -- is available Sunday against the Titans, he'd be a speculative lineup option in Week 9, with DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne also in New England's wideout mix.

OCTOBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Back at practice Polk (concussion) was present for practice Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Impact Polk didn't practice ahead of Week 8 action, so his presence for Wednesday's session bodes well for his chances of being cleared to play Sunday against the Titans. If Polk is available this weekend, however, his role versus Tennessee would be TBD, given that the 2024 second-rounder has had drop issues this season, resulting in him recording in a 10/78/1 stat line on 26 targets through seven games.

OCTOBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Sunday Polk (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jets, Mike Dussault of the Patriots' official site reports.

Impact Polk, who was unable to practice this week, will thus target a potential return to action Nov. 3 against the Titans. In his absence this weekend, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne figure to lead the Patriots' Week 8 WR corps, with K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton mixing in.

OCTOBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Still not practicing Polk (concussion) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Impact After missing Wednesday's session, Polk now has one more chance to practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets. If the 2024 second-rounder is unavailable this weekend, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne would be in line to lead the Patriots' Week 8 wideout corps.

OCTOBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

In concussion protocol Polk is in the NFL's concussion protocol, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Impact After logging 34 snaps in this past Sunday's 32-16 loss to the Jaguars, Polk was forced out of the contest with what has now been confirmed as a concussion. The 2024 second-rounder will now need to progress through the NFL's protocol in order to be available this weekend against the Jets. Though seven games to date, Polk has caught 10 of his 26 targets for 78 yards and a TD, with drops having been an issue for the Washington product early on in his pro career.

OCTOBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Forced out of Sunday's contest The Patriots announced that Polk is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London due to a head injury.

Impact Polk will most likely be sent in for a concussion evaluation before the Patriots determine whether he's fit to return, but given that the announcement of his head injury didn't come until late in the fourth quarter, it's likely that his day is already over in any case. Before leaving the game, Polk failed to corral any of his three targets from quarterback Drake Maye. The rookie second-round pick continues to see ample playing time but has struggled to get on the same page with Maye and Jacoby Brissett this season; he's hauled in just 10 of his 26 targets and is averaging a lowly 3.0 yards per target.

OCTOBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

One catch in Week 6 Polk, who recorded 43 of a possible 66 snaps on offense in Sunday's 41-21 loss to the Texans, caught one of his four targets in the contest for four yards, Mike Reiss of ESPN.comm...

Impact Per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, Polk had one drop in the contest and got his hands on another pass that fell incomplete. With that in mind, coach Jerod Mayo acknowledged that the 2024 second-rounder's game has room for growth. "I think he just needs to get over this mental hump," Mayo said of Polk. "You've got to eliminate the dropped passes. You've got to be better at blocking, which he did a great job in college at that and at times throughout the season. He just has to continue to grow, and he has to work harder. He has to pay more attention to the details, and we fully expect him to grow into a receiver that's dependable on run and pass downs." Looking ahead, Polk figures to have more productive days as he builds on-field chemistry with fellow rookie Drake Maye, who has taken over as the Patriots' starting QB, but for now the wideout out of Washington isn't a high-percentage fantasy option.

OCTOBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Logs six targets Sunday Polk was on the field for all 60 of the Patriots' snaps on offense in Sunday's 15-10 loss to the Dolphins, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Though the final box score shows Polk catching one of his six target for 13 yards, it's worth noting that the wideout's apparent 12-yard TD catch with 1:08 remaining in the contest was overturned (via application of the 'toe-heel' rule) after instant-replay review. Over his last two games, Polk has seen his snaps increase and has been targeted 13 times. Though that's only resulted in a combined four catches for 43 yards in that span, the 2024 second-rounder is a player who could pick up the pace in the coming weeks, if the Patriots passing game gains more consistency helmed by either veteran QB Jacoby Brissettor rookie first-rounder Drake Maye.

OCTOBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Leads team with seven targets Polk turned seven targets into three receptions for 30 yards in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the 49ers.

Impact Polk didn't produce a strong fantasy line by any means, but he led the team in targets while nearly doubling the output from his first three games in Sunday's loss. The rookie wideout has eight receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown through four games. Polk should continue to get looks and develop on a dismal New England offense this season, continuing with Sunday's tilt against Miami in Week 5.

SEPTEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Two catches Thursday Polk was on the field for 26 of the Patriots' 52 snaps on offense in Thursday's 24-3 loss to the Jets, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Polk, who caught both of his targets in the contest for 13 yards, was out-snapped Thursday by both DeMario Douglas (43 snaps) and K.J. Osborn (39 snaps). With five catches on six targets for 31 yards and a TD through his first three games as a pro, Polk's initial fantasy impact has been modest. Down the road, however, his production could pick up once the Patriots offense gains more consistency.

SEPTEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

First career touchdown Polk recorded two receptions on three targets for 12 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-20 overtime loss to the Seahawks. He also recorded one carry for zero yards.

Impact The Patriots reportedly wanted to get Polk more involved in the offense in his second career game, and that looked to be the case early on. His first catch was also his first career touchdown and came from five yards away on New England's second offensive possession. However, he didn't make another reception until 49 seconds were remaining in the fourth quarter. So long as the Patriots keep the rushing attack as the focal point of their offense, it's unlikely that Polk will emerge as a reliable fantasy contributor.

SEPTEMBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

First career touchdown Polk recorded two receptions on three targets for 12 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-20 overtime loss to the Seahawks. He also recorded one career for zero yards.

Impact The Patriots reportedly wanted to get Polk more involved in the offense in his second career game and that looked to be the case early on. His first catch was also his first career touchdown and came from five yards away on New England's second offensive possession. However, he didn't make another reception until 49 seconds were remaining in the fourth quarter. So long as the Patriots keep the rushing attack as the focal point of their offense, it's unlikely that Polk will emerge as a reliable fantasy contributor.

SEPTEMBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Jacoby Brissett with a 5-yard touchdown pass to JaLynn Polk vs. Seattle Seahawks Jacoby Brissett with a 5-yard touchdown pass to JaLynn Polk vs. Seattle Seahawks, 09/15/2024

SEPTEMBER 15 • PATRIOTS.COM

Expected to see more work in Week 2 Polk is expected to see added work in Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Polk logged 35 of the Patriots' 65 snaps on offense in the team's season-opening win over the Bengals last Sunday, however coach Jerod Mayo indicated that the 2024 second-rounder is poised to see more action in Week 2. Also in the mix for snaps versus Seattle are DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Javon Baker, but it appears as though Polk will be more involved this time around after catching his only target for six yards in his NFL regular-season debut.

SEPTEMBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

One catch in NFL debut Polk was on the field for 35 of a possible 65 snaps on offense in the Patriots' 16-10 season-opening win over the Bengals on Sunday, en route to catching his only target for six ya...

Impact The Patriots opened up with a starting alignment of DeMario Douglas (39 snaps) , K.J. Osborn (40 snaps) and Tyquan Thornton (38 snaps) on Sunday, but Polk also saw his share of field time in his NFL regular-season debut. As the season rolls along we'd expect Polk's involvement in the passing game to increase, but for the time being he's a speculative fantasy lineup option.

SEPTEMBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Makes highlight play with Maye Polk recorded two receptions on three targets for 29 yards in Sunday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Commanders.

Impact Polk wasn't on the field for the Patriots' first drive, instead usurped by K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton as the starting outside wide receivers. However, Polk was on the field for the team's second possession paired with Drake Maye, and he hauled in a strike across the middle that he turned upfield for a 29-yard gain. He also had a nice catch on an out route that would have gone for another first down, though the gain was offset by a penalty. Polk had been working with the starting unit in practice leading up to the game, so even if he isn't formally listed as a starter he should still see the field plenty in Week 1 against Cincinnati.

AUGUST 26 • ROTOWIRE

Working with starters Polk has been a regular presence on the first-team offense at practice this week, according to Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald.

Impact Polk saw almost all of his playing time with the second-string offense in New England's first two preseason games, but that's not necessarily a bad thing given that it allowed him to work with QB Drake Maye rather than Jacoby Brissett. It's possible both Maye and Polk end up starting Week 1 against the Bengals, and there's not much question they'll end up working together at some point this season even if it doesn't materialize for the opener. The Patriots took Maye with the third overall pick in April and then got Polk at No. 37. Polk caught five of six targets in the first two preseason games, but for only 20 yards.

AUGUST 20 • ROTOWIRE

Two catches Thursday Polk caught two of his three targets for six yards in Thursday's 14-13 preseason loss to the Eagles.

Impact Polk, who logged 26 snaps versus Philadelphia, posted modest stats in the contest, but the 2024 second-rounder did display some run-after-the-catch ability while shedding a pair of would-be tacklers on a six-yard completion from QB Drake Maye in the second quarter. As Week 1 approaches, Polk is candidate to secure a key role in the Patriots' passing attack, but whether that translates to initial fantasy relevance hinges on both his early-season workload, as well as how heavily the team leans on the run amidst its transition at quarterback.

AUGUST 16 • ROTOWIRE

Three catches in preseason opener Polk secured all three targets for 14 yards in the Patriots' 17-3 preseason win over the Panthers on Thursday.

Impact Polk made his first professional catch for three yards with 4:41 remaining in the first quarter on a pass from Bailey Zappe, adding six- and five-yard grabs while playing deep into the second quarter. The second-round pick's debut performance was reminiscent of the consistency he's reportedly shown in training camp practices, and Polk should continue to see ample playing time in Week 2 of preseason against the Eagles next Thursday night.

AUGUST 9 • ROTOWIRE

Pushing for key role as rookie Polk and fellow rookie and Javon Baker have been "as advertised" through six training camp practices, according to Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site.

Impact Lazar notes that Polk, who the Patriots took in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has been featured out of the gate with other regulars in the team's offense as a reliable underneath target. With Kendrick Bourne recovering from a knee injury that could limit him early on this season, Polk would appear to have a path toward becoming an immediate contributor in New England's passing game as a rookie. Whether that translates to fantasy relevance from the get-go hinges on what sort of volume the Washington product sees in an attack that could lean to the run, but as the season progresses Polk could emerge as key pass-catcher for whichever QB ( Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye) is behind center.

JULY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Clear path to No. 1 role? Polk could secure the Patriots' top receiver spot to open the 2024 regular season if he impresses in training camp, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Impact Polk, a rookie second-round pick, didn't begin the offseason working as a starter but has since worked his way up the depth chart, and he was a standout of mandatory minicamp. The Washington product is considered pro-ready as rookie, so though his combine workout numbers didn't strongly impress, he's refined enough to quickly hit the ground running and entrench himself as one of New England's most reliably targets in the passing game, especially if Kendrick Bourne (knee) isn't fully recovered from his ACL tear by Week 1. Graff projects Polk to get a large portion of first-team reps in training camp, so if he can translate that into some preseason momentum, it wouldn't be surprising for him to start the season ahead of Bourne, DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie fourth-rounder Javon Baker, especially if he can establish chemistry with Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. As a pro Polk may ultimately be as more of a possession receiver than a deep target, but he boasts the upside to become the most consistent options in the Patriots' passing game.

JULY 12 • ROTOWIRE