There is a lot on the line for several Patriots players heading into Thursday night's preseason finale game against the Giants. It will be their last chance to prove they can be a viable piece of the 2025 roster, and will ultimately determine their immediate future in the NFL, with the Patriots or otherwise.
Among the most noteworthy position battles to pay attention to is the wide receiver group, even more so now that we know Ja'Lynn Polk will not be participating or part of this season's roster due to an injury. That means players like Javon Baker and Kendrick Bourne will be the highlight of the evening, with the second-year player hoping to make a positive impression to be given another chance to play football.
It appears he could be given that opportunity in New York, as he reportedly traveled with the team for the game despite not having practiced much this past week. He has already had a tough road this summer, with his limited impressive days of practice and lack of integration into the game plan, but he has seemingly carved a role for himself on special teams that could be his ticket to the roster.
Update: I’m told WR Javon Baker, who hasn’t practiced the last 2 days, plans to travel for the preseason finale (which naturally gives him a chance to play). https://t.co/NyJwOZJouG
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 20, 2025
Because the third unit has been the most impressive this summer, it will take a lot for Baker to secure a spot over someone else, even on special teams. But he has been highly regarded by the new coaching staff, which might give him the upper hand heading into the preseason finale.
Javon Baker will be given one last shot at making the Patriots 2025 roster
The pressure is on many players to make the right kind of final impression on Mike Vrabel and Co., with Baker near the top of the list in need of a great night against the Giants when given the opportunity.
He showed flashes of good play during his rookie season, although limited, and his college tape proves he can be a competent part of an offense when he gets comfortable. The problem is that we haven't seen enough consistency from him for the coaches to give him that chance, so Thursday's game might be his last chance to avoid being cut.
Since he is still actively competing for a spot on the roster, the assumption is that he will have a lot of time on the field for the game, and he needs to take advantage of those minutes. He has the chance to be a WR6 or earn a role on special teams, which could eventually move to the offense if he continues to rise with his production.
But it's difficult to imagine that legitimately happening based on what we've seen so far. It's a shame because he looked like an explosive player coming out of college, hence why the Patriots drafted him in the fourth round last year, and his lack of opportunities during the season certainly didn't help prove the doubters wrong.
Baker's production this summer hasn't done him many favors, as he had a few moments of highlight plays, but they weren't consistent in practice and didn't show up during game time.
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