Imagine being benched for the first five weeks of your rookie season, only to finally get your shot under the brightest lights—that’s exactly where Efton Chism finds himself as he prepares for his NFL debut in Week 6. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this undrafted rookie truly ready for the spotlight, or is he just a temporary fix for the Patriots’ kick return woes? Let’s dive in.
After being a healthy scratch for the season’s opening weeks, New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism is set to take the field against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. This marks the first time the 23-year-old hasn’t been listed as inactive on game day. His opportunity comes at a critical moment for the team, as they scramble to rebuild their kick return unit following Antonio Gibson’s season-ending ACL injury last week in Buffalo. Chism’s college resume at Eastern Washington—31 kick returns for 651 yards (21.0 yards per return)—certainly makes him a compelling candidate for the role. But will his collegiate success translate to the NFL stage? That’s the million-dollar question.
Chism’s journey to this point is nothing short of inspiring. Signed as an undrafted free agent after this year’s draft, he quickly turned heads during the preseason, leading the team with 12 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns in just two exhibition games. His performance was so impressive that he secured a spot on the Patriots’ 53-man roster in late August. Yet, despite his preseason dominance, he’s been sidelined until now. And this is the part most people miss: Could the Patriots have underestimated his potential all along?
Meanwhile, the Patriots’ inactives list for Sunday includes QB3 Tommy DeVito, OL Caedan Wallace, DT Eric Gregory, edge defenders Anfernee Jennings (ankle) and Keion White (elbow), and safety Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring). Notably, Gibson, who was placed on injured reserve, is also out. On the brighter side, linebacker Marte Mapu (neck, hamstring), cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) and Charles Woods (knee), and defensive tackle Milton Williams (illness) have all been cleared to play, adding much-needed depth to the roster.
For the Saints, the big news is the return of running back Alvin Kamara, who was questionable with an ankle injury but has been given the green light for Sunday. Their inactives include OL Torricelli Simpkins, OL Xavier Truss, DT Khristian Boyd, DBs Rejzohn Wright and Ugo Amadi, and CB Isaac Yiadom.
As kickoff approaches at 1 p.m. ET in New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, the stage is set for Chism’s debut. Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Is Chism’s opportunity a well-deserved breakthrough, or is he simply filling a temporary void? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark some debate!
