Patriots Rookie Climbs Up Depth Chart Before Seahawks Matchup

Javon Baker will make his NFL debut on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

The Patriots are rolling with a new receiving corps in Week 2, with Baker being listed as active for their matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Baker will take over for Kayshon Boutte, who was listed as inactive after playing zero snaps in a season-opening road win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Baker’s activation is an interesting one, as it would seem to indicate his designation last week had more to do with off-the-field questions than his performance on the field.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about Baker earlier in the week, and more specifically, whether being designated as a healthy scratch last week was a disciplinary move.

“I don’t want to get into a lot of that,” Mayo said. “I will say, he has to continue to progress and continue to develop — both on and off the field. That’s my responsibility, ultimately.”

Baker, of course, took to Instagram Live to rant about a police officer who pulled him over and gave him a ticket. Mayo condemned the decision, saying it “in no way represents what the organization is about, in no way represents what we are about as a team or how Javon needs to go out there and represent himself.”

The Patriots must feel as though the message was heard, entrusting the rookie with some snaps one week later.

New England only played four wideouts in Week 1, with K.J. Osborn, DeMario Douglas, Tyquan Thornton and Ja’Lynn Polk serving as the receivers who saw the field. Baker’s involvement in the offense might not be very extensive, though he could play a role on special teams as he did throughout the preseason.

Baker certainly feels he’s ready for the NFL, and will have an opportunity to show that Sunday.