FOXBORO — It’s time for Efton Chism to find a permanent residence in New England.
Chism’s inclusion on the Patriots’ 53-man roster didn’t come as a massive surprise after his breakout summer, but that didn’t make it any less sweet for the undrafted rookie.
On Tuesday, during roster cuts, Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf called Chism into his office to deliver the good news that he had made the roster.
“It was pretty surreal, pretty sweet,” Chism said. “Give him a couple hugs. Man, I couldn’t thank him enough. So pretty special moment.”
Chism had an extremely productive spring during organized team activities and minicamp but slowed down at the start of training camp. Right around the time when the Patriots began joint practices with the Commanders and Vikings, however, Chism became a favorite target again for quarterbacks Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs and Ben Wooldridge.
It became a foregone conclusion that Chism would make the roster after two preseason games, when he caught 12 passes on 14 targets for 121 yards with two touchdowns.
“You put a lot of hard work into it, but I can’t thank my coaches and the guys around me (enough) for allowing me to take advantage of the opportunity, and thank coach (Mike Vrabel) for giving me the opportunity. So I’m truly blessed, truly thankful and excited.”
Chism also suffered an injury during Week 2 of the preseason and didn’t practice for the next week.
The undrafted receiver out of Eastern Washington, who sported a sleeve on his left leg, was asked Wednesday if he’s healthy.
“Absolutely,” Chism said. “Yes, sir.”
Chism practiced Wednesday for the first time since that preseason game against the Vikings on Aug. 16.
Chism spent extra time in the Patriots’ treatment room to the point that Maye referred to the rookie as the “No. 1 treatment guy.”
“Availability is the best ability, right? And for me to not be out there the past couple weeks really sucks,” Chism said. “I’m in there two, three times a day, trying to do as much as I can to get back.”
Chism won’t be taking his foot off the gas pedal or get complacent now that he’s made the team.
Beyond his work in the treatment room, Chism has been praised by Wolf and veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins for taking time early in the morning and late at night to put in extra work on Josh McDaniels’ offense. Maye, McDaniels and wide receivers coach Todd Downing have all spoken highly of Chism’s work ethic.
“Same attitude, just how can I help the team out? How can we win games? What do I have to do just to continue to get better each and every day? I just feel like, if I continue with the attitude I had that got me here, it’s going to help me, allow me to grow and become a better player,” Chism said.
So, what’s next for Chism? First, he has to find a place to live. He’s been living in the team hotel since the spring and is unclear how long he’s allowed to shack up there. But he’s working with team operations and veteran players to find a home in the area.
He also needs to get fully healthy to ensure he gets on the field early in the season.
Based on training camp and preseason reps, Chism is behind Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams on the depth chart. Chism is primarily a slot receiver, so he should be viewed as Douglas’ direct backup, but Diggs and Hollins also have NFL experience playing out of the slot. The Patriots did already cut two wide receivers who made the initial 53-man roster in Kendrick Bourne and Javon Baker, so his place on the team is safe.
But Chism certainly earned his spot. He was a cheat code at times in practices with his ability to get open, catch the ball and pick up a first down, and he carried that over into the preseason with impressive play strength for his 5-foot-10, 198-pound frame.
