Caught Red-Handed: Patriots’ DeMario Douglas Explains Funny Jersey Situation

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas tried his best to blend in with his offensive teammates at training camp practice Friday.

It didn’t work, though.

The second-year wideout was eager to shed his red non-contact jersey, so much so that he put on a standard white jersey of his own volition and made his way out onto the field. Douglas didn’t get far as the Patriots caught on quickly and made him change jerseys.

“I tried to come out in the white jersey, but they were like, ‘Na.’ But it’s all for the good, though,” Douglas told reporters following practice Saturday, per team-provided video.

Douglas has spent all nine training camp practices in the red non-contact jersey as he nurses a hand injury.

The ailment hasn’t really limited Douglas in any way. He’s participated in drills and his dynamic skill set has stood out to his teammates. But Douglas is unsure when he’ll finally be able to swap jerseys for good.

“I don’t know if there’s a timeline,” Douglas said. “I feel like it’s for the greater good. I mean, I’m happy to be out there. I’m out there. So, I feel like that jersey not stopping me from anything.”

The Patriots are expecting Douglas to be a go-to option out of the slot in their restructured offense under new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. The Liberty product had a respectable rookie season by recording 49 receptions for 561 yards.

Douglas didn’t reach the end zone at all last season, something he hopes will change in 2024. And after missing three games last season, he’s also looking for a clean bill of health, even though that isn’t off to the most promising start.

“In college, I feel like I could do anything,” Douglas said. “But now, I’m in a different league to where I need to know when the journey is over.”