Patience has been a virtue for DeMario Douglas five weeks into his third NFL season.

After being on the field for 62% of offensive snaps in 2024, his playtime decreased to just a third of the New England Patriots’ offensive snaps in 2025. His production went the same way: from an average of 3.9 catches and 36.5 yards per game all the way down to 1.4 and 6.0, respectively.

Formerly a crucial part of the Patriots’ receiver corps, Douglas was seemingly being phased out. Then came Sunday’s Week 6 game against the New Orleans Saints.

While the officials did take away one of his big plays on an erroneous pass interference call, the 24-year-old still managed to leave his mark on New England’s 25-19 victory. He finished the game with three catches for 71 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown.

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