Efton Chism remains sidelined as Patriots face Steelers in Week 3

In the United States on September 21, 2025, the New England Patriots faced the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium, but the team announced that Efton Chism would be inactive for the game. Chism, an undrafted wide receiver from Eastern Washington, has yet to make his NFL debut. He was a standout during the preseason and secured a spot on the team's 53-man roster, but finds himself in a challenging position on the depth chart. With star receivers like Stefon Diggs and emerging talents such as Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas ahead of him, Chism is currently a healthy scratch alongside other teammates, including linebacker Elijah Ponder and defensive lineman Eric Gregory. As the Patriots prepare for this crucial matchup, Chism has primarily been working with the scout team in practice, which entails mimicking the opposing team’s playstyle. His role has been focused on learning the wide receiver position as a whole, diversifying his skills beyond the slot receiver role he practiced during training camp. New England's receivers coach, Todd Downing, emphasized the importance of Chism’s adaptation and noted that he is learning vital aspects of being a professional athlete, such as body preparation and recovery. Downing expressed confidence that Chism’s opportunity to contribute will come soon, acknowledging his potential to plug into the game should injuries occur. In addition to Chism's status, the Patriots made a notable decision to have Keion White active for the game, highlighting the strategic adjustments each week as injuries and performance impact lineup choices. The Week 3 game remains critical for the Patriots as they aim for success in a competitive league. Key players on opposing teams, like Josh Jacobs and Tucker Kraft from the Green Bay Packers, are also dealing with injuries, affecting their teams' overall performance. Despite this dynamic, the focus for the Patriots remains on internal development and player readiness, as they look to overcome the challenges posed by the Steelers. This ongoing development speaks to the ever-evolving nature of teams as they adjust to the realities of NFL seasons, where player injuries and depth chart changes continually shift the landscape of each game and contribute significantly to their success. Overall, while Efton Chism's journey to the NFL is still in progress, the attention on his growth and readiness reflects the broader narrative of rookie development and competition within professional football, as teams strive to balance immediate performance with long-term player potential.