Get ready for a thrilling NFL moment—Efton Chism is finally stepping onto the field for his debut in Week 6, and it’s a story you won’t want to miss. After spending the first five weeks as a healthy scratch, the New England Patriots’ undrafted rookie wide receiver is set to make his mark against the New Orleans Saints. But here’s where it gets interesting: Chism’s opportunity comes at a critical time for the Patriots, who are scrambling to reshape their kick return unit following Antonio Gibson’s devastating ACL injury last week in Buffalo. Could Chism be the answer? His college stats certainly suggest so—during his five-year stint at Eastern Washington, he returned 31 kickoffs for 651 yards, averaging a solid 21.0 yards per return.
Chism’s journey to this moment is just as compelling. At 23, he joined the Patriots as a rookie free agent after going undrafted, yet he quickly turned heads during the preseason. Under coordinator Josh McDaniel’s offense, Chism emerged as the team’s leading receiver, hauling in 12 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns in just two exhibition games. That performance earned him a spot on the Patriots’ 53-man roster, and now, he’s poised to prove his worth in a real game.
But here’s the part most people miss: Chism’s lack of draft pedigree hasn’t stopped him from becoming a natural fit for the Patriots’ system. His preseason success wasn’t just a fluke—it was a glimpse of what he could bring to the table. And with Gibson sidelined and three other players—Keion White (elbow), Anfernee Jennings (ankle), and Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring)—ruled out due to injuries, the Patriots are in dire need of fresh talent. Joining them on the inactives list are QB3 Tommy DeVito, OL Caedan Wallace, and DT Eric Gregory, who remain healthy scratches.
On the Saints’ side, the big news is the return of running back Alvin Kamara, who was questionable with an ankle injury but has been cleared to play. However, the Saints will be without OL Torricelli Simpkins, OL Xavier Truss, DT Khristian Boyd, DB Rejzohn Wright, DB Ugo Amadi, and CB Isaac Yiadom, all of whom are inactive for the game.
As the Patriots and Saints prepare to face off at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome at 1 p.m. ET, one question lingers: Can Efton Chism seize this opportunity and become a game-changer for the Patriots? Or will the Saints’ defense shut him down? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debut you won’t want to miss!
