FOXBORO — Patriots rookie wide receiver Efton Chism should be in line for more offensive snaps Sunday against the Chargers.
With Mack Hollins on injured reserve with an abdominal injury, Chism has taken on some of the veteran wide receiver’s snaps as a run blocker. With it has come three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ last two games.
“Super grateful for the opportunity,” Chism said. “Definitely not taking it for granted. Just trying to fill those shoes of Mack. He does a lot of dirty work here, and trying to do my best ability to continue that. And just bring a little different energy to us.”
Chism entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington this spring. He made the 53-man roster after impressive performances in OTAs, training camp and the preseason.
Still, he didn’t take on a sizable role on offense until Hollins went on IR. The moment hasn’t seemed too big for Chism thus far. He did still acknowledge getting some pre-game jitters.
“I mean, I think everyone kind of does a little bit. But just the preparation I try to put into it throughout the week calms those nerves, so I can go out there and just play free and not think about anything in a negative way,” Chism said. “Just go out there and just play.”
Kayshon Boutte popped up on the injury report Thursday with a hamstring injury and was limited in consecutive practices. That leaves Chism, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas and rookie Kyle Williams as the team’s fully healthy wide receivers with Boutte questionable to play.