Javon Baker DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (concussion) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice as he battles through the league's concussion protocol. It's unclear when the 22-year-old picked up his injury. Baker played just two snaps in New England's loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, so it's possible it happened then. Though, it's a bit concerning that he's still in the league's protocol even after a bye in Week 14. He'll have two more chances to elevate his practice status ahead of the Patriots' Week 15 outing against the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie wideout has yet to haul in a pass this season but has worked as a return man for the Pats. If Baker can't play, running backs Antonio Gibson and JaMycal Hasty will handle most of the return duties.

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker was a healthy scratch for the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. While this is a concern for his future outlook, some first-year players take longer to adjust to the NFL than others. Patriots wide receiver coach Tyler Hughes said, "I think we'll see him more and more as the season goes on." Four Patriots wideouts saw targets in Week 1, including K.J. Osborn (six), Demario Douglas (three), Tyquan Thornton (three), and Ja'Lynn Polk (one). It's worth noting Kendrick Bourne (knee) is on the PUP list, but he could return as soon as Week 5. Fantasy managers should probably expect Baker to have little to no fantasy value in Year 1, but he could make noise later in his career and should continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues.

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker will have to wait to make his NFL debut, as he's listed as a healthy scratch for Week 1 on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. To begin his first year in the league, the 22-year-old fourth-round selection is behind Demario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Kashon Boutte on the receiver depth chart in New England. Things won't get any easier for Baker once Kendrick Bourne (knee) eventually comes off the Physically Unable to Perform list at some point after Week 4. Especially in a Patriots offense that is expected to be one of the weakest units in the league this year, Baker's prospects for becoming fantasy relevant in single-year leagues are remote. For now, he's merely a bench stash in dynasty/keeper formats in what could be more of a redshirt year.