A New England Patriots rookie has impressed coaches while working his way onto the field.
Efton Chism III was inactive for the first five weeks following a standout preseason, but the wide receiver drew his first opportunity last Sunday. The undrafted free agent returned five kickoffs for 129 yards during a Week 6 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Patriots special teams coach Jeremy Springer told reporters Thursday that Chism handled his new role well.
“I thought he did a great job,” Springer said. “He took care of the ball. He made great decisions. He got us past the 30 a couple of times, and I love his progression. We’ll continue to progress with him and do the things and work with him, and hopefully he can help us out … very excited where he’s at.”
Patriots wide receivers coach Todd Downing also praised the 23-year-old’s work ethic, per MassLive’s Chris Mason.
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“Efton Chism is here at 6 a.m. every single morning,” Downing said. “I’m sitting there with a cup of coffee waiting on him. If he’s not there at 6, I’m worried about him.”
Chism demanded attention when amassing 12 catches for 121 yards in two breakout preseason performances. The 5-foot-10 wideout has yet to see any snaps on offense during the regular season, but the Patriots tried Chism on special teams after losing running back Antonio Gibson to an ACL tear.
The Eastern Washington product was happy to receive an opportunity at special teams and is eager to contribute in any way he can.
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“Every rookie’s kinda navigating that, but I think for me, whatever I can do to help the team,” Chism said on Monday. “I know that that’s sometimes that’s during the week — maybe it’s not on Sundays… It’s not all gonna happen overnight.”
Chism could field more kick returns when the Patriots play the Tennessee Titans this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
