Patriots Rookie Just ‘Playing (His) Role’ As Underwhelming Season Continues

FOXBORO, Mass. — It was an underwhelming first half of the season for New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker.

The fourth-round rookie played a combined 14 offensive snaps in 10 games including an identical four snaps in each of the last two contests. However, the fact Baker has been active in three consecutive games indicates he’s taken steps in the right direction after three straight healthy scratches.

Baker struck an optimistic tone regarding his behind-the-scenes development and stressed he’s playing the role being asked of him.

“Everything’s good,” Baker told NESN.com in the Patriots locker room Wednesday. “I’m just playing my role. This is my role right now so I’ll play it.”

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said Baker, much like any rookie, is “still a work in progress.” Mayo on Wednesday credited Baker for being “great” in meeting rooms, a different sentiment than what was offered earlier this season.

Mayo is hopeful it will translate to the field in the near future.

“I’m progressing well. Everything’s good,” Baker said.

The Patriots have made an effort to give younger, developmental players more opportunities in recent weeks. In the receiver room, veterans K.J. Osborn and Kendrick Bourne have played less while Tyquan Thornton was inactive four of the last five games. It’s provided more chances for second-year wideout Kayshon Boutte, rookie Ja’Lynn Polk, among others.

Baker, though, isn’t concerning himself with the situations of teammates.

“Other people ain’t got nothing to do with me. So, I can’t speak on nobody else,” Baker said. “My role is my role on this team. It’s my role right now. So, just playing my role.”

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Baker said he hasn’t had conversations with Mayo or wide receivers coach Tyler Hughes about what he can do to play more.

The Patriots host the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon, and perhaps fans will see Baker receive an opportunity greater than what he’s been given thus far.