When the New England Patriots entered the 2025 NFL campaign, rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams figured to be a rather significant part of the offense.

After all, the Patriots used a third-round pick on the Washington State product, and they clearly lacked proven talent in their receiving corps.

However, they haven't gotten the production they've hoped for from Williams.

In 11 games this season, Williams has managed just three catches for 92 yards and a touchdown, and a big chunk of that yardage came on Williams' 72-yard touchdown grab during a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10.

The following game, however, Williams didn't register a single catch on three targets, and now, Andrew Callahan of The Boston Herald has revealed he feels New England could end up benching Williams.

“There’s no denying Williams’ speed or his lack of production (two catches on 10 targets since the opener). I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s a healthy scratch for a big upcoming game, regular season or playoffs,” Callahan wrote.

Williams was viewed by many as one of the biggest steals of the NFL Draft back in April. He hauled in 70 receptions for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns during his final collegiate campaign and also snared 61 balls for 843 yards and six scores in 2023.

The Pats' wide receiver room was in flux heading into 2025. They had signed Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency, but Diggs was recovering from a torn ACL, and Hollins has never been known as a central target.

However, the Patriots' receivers have actually been a pleasant surprise this season, with both Diggs and Hollins producing and with Kayshon Boutte averaging a robust 18.7 yards per catch.

Of course, that is thanks much in part to Drake Maye's brilliance, but the point is that New England has not really needed Williams this year.

Hopefully, the 23-year-old is just experiencing some growing pains and will be ready to take on a larger role next season. It's far too early to declare him a bust.

The Pats have the best record in football at 9-2 and are two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills for first place in the AFC East. They will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon.