The Patriots veteran receiver landed on injured reserve this week with a calf injury.
The Patriots started the season with A. J. Brown as their X receiver, Hollins and Doubs rotating at Z and DeMario Douglas playing in the slot in 11 personnel. Once Brown was placed on injured reserve, Hollins and Doubs became the two outside receivers. Last week, when Hollins went down with his injury, Chism took over for the end of the game and made the play of his career. This week, Chism largely picked up where he left off in terms of playing time. However, Kyle Williams rotated in more often than usual in 11 personnel. Williams took advantage of his limited time, catching three passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Chism still had a fine game himself, securing five passes for 57 yards. Brown is eligible to return from injured reserve next week, which will again complicate the Patriots' wide receiver rotation. Given how well Williams and Chism have played, it could be Romeo Doubs slipping down the depth chart. Doubs' role was surprisingly low in Week 1 when everyone was healthy. Even these last three weeks, he only played 68% of the Patriots' offensive snaps. On paper, Doubs would be the No. 2 receiver with Brown back and Hollins out, and he played a season-high 82. 7% of snaps, but he was the clear fourth option in this game in terms of targets. Doubs is someone that can be dropped in most fantasy leagues, given the likely rotation with the younger wide receivers going forward.
