Patriots Not Pleased With Rookie Wideout’s Latest Role Change

The Patriots haven’t quite found a way to involve rookie wide receiver Javon Baker, but it isn’t for a lack of trying.

Baker has largely been a healthy scratch this season, appearing in just three total games and failing to register a single target. New England tried to incorporate him in a new role in Sunday’s win over the New York Jets, however, he was called upon to take over kick return duties from running back Antonio Gibson.

It’s safe to say the results weren’t what the club was looking for…

Baker’s lone return attempt went for only 17 yards, with both teams ultimately deciding they didn’t really want to cover kicks. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo didn’t hold back in his assessment of the return but did admit there was a desire to put the ball in the 22-year-old’s hands.

“He had one opportunity to run back a kick,” Mayo said on Monday, per team-provided video. “It was disappointing, but it wasn’t just him; it was also the blocking up front. This guy is very explosive with the ball in his hands, and we have to, as coaches, run a solution-based business and find ways to get him the ball.”

It’s easy to question the coaching staff’s overall approach, as the wide receiver room as a whole could use an explosive playmaker. Baker hasn’t proven to be that on the offensive side of the football, though.

The Patriots routinely tried to get him involved throughout training camp and the preseason, but a lack of physicality in his routes made it rather easy for opposing defensive backs to have their way. Baker made six total receptions in the preseason, but it became clear during that stretch that he needed some refinement to play at the highest level.

New England might not have a choice but to incorporate him more moving forward, however, with fellow receivers K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne appearing to be on the trade block ahead of the deadline.