Patriots rookie WR Javon Baker inactive for Week 1 in Cincinnati

In the opening week of the 2024 NFL season, the New England Patriots faced the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Rookie wide receiver Javon Baker was listed as inactive for the game, marking a disappointing start to his professional career. While several players who were previously questionable were cleared to play, Baker's absence was notable. His status as a healthy scratch raised questions, especially following a recent social media incident that led to speculation about potential disciplinary actions. Head coach Jerod Mayo clarified that Baker's absence was not due to any punishment related to his social media rant against police, stating that the consequences he faced were not severe enough to warrant missing a game. Instead, it appears that Baker's inability to consistently make catches during the preseason contributed to his inactive status. This decision reflects the competitive nature of the Patriots' receiving corps, which includes players like DeMario Douglas and Tyquan Thornton. The Patriots' receiving lineup for the game was adjusted to compensate for Baker's absence, with quarterback Jacoby Brissett set to rely on the remaining active receivers. Additionally, the offensive line faced its own challenges, particularly with tackle Vederian Lowe's limited practice due to an abdomen injury. The coaching staff's decisions regarding player rotations were closely watched, especially in light of the injuries affecting the offensive line. Overall, Baker's inactive status serves as a reminder of the challenges rookies face in adapting to the NFL, and it highlights the importance of performance during preseason evaluations. As the season progresses, Baker will have opportunities to develop and potentially earn a spot in future games.