Patriots Rookie Receiver Suffers Shoulder Injury in Preseason Opener

On August 9, 2025, New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk found himself in a familiar position—dealing with a shoulder injury. The 23-year-old, who is looking to rebound from a tough rookie season, left the team's preseason-opening victory over the Washington Commanders early after suffering an apparent re-aggravation of his right shoulder.

Polk, the Patriots' 2024 second-round pick, was injured while running an end-around play in the first half. He gained two yards on the play but was brought down hard by Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene. Polk then headed to the sideline and was escorted to the locker room, unable to return to the game.

This is concerning news for Polk, as the same shoulder was surgically repaired during the offseason. The young receiver had expressed optimism about his recovery, saying on July 30th that he was "feeling better" following the procedure. However, this latest setback could hinder his efforts to secure a roster spot and carve out a larger role in the Patriots' offense this season.

While head coach Mike Vrabel provided no immediate update on Polk's status, the team is expected to provide more information in the coming days as they return to practice. With the regular season just a few weeks away, Polk's ability to recover and get back on the field will be crucial as he looks to put his disappointing 2024 campaign behind him.