Rookie wide receiver Javon Baker being back on the practice field on Monday was a great sign for the New England Patriots ahead of training camp.
The fourth-round pick of the 2024 NFL draft missed minicamp and several OTA practices without much explanation behind it. He was clearly dealing with some kind of injury, but there were never any details outside of that initial assessment.
Per the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan, Baker was dealing with a thumb fracture during that stretch. The Patriots posted a photo of the rookie undergoing some early work, and Baker was captured on the field catching passes.
Sources: #Patriots WR Javon Baker dealt with a thumb fracture that kept him out of minicamp and some OTA practices.
The team posted a photo of Baker catching passes today, indicating he has been cleared for at least partial practice participation. Training camp opens Wednesday.… pic.twitter.com/ChCLWNCg1E
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) July 22, 2024
The Patriots are banking on the rookie duo of Baker and Ja’Lynn Polk to be immediate contributors in an offense lacking in proven talent at the skilled positions.
Baker is an explosive playmaker with the ability to emerge as a true No. 1 option for New England. Of course, that’s assuming he hits his ceiling.
He’ll get tested right out of the gates at training camp against a Patriots defense that should once again be ranked amongst the top units in the NFL.