Patriots WR DeMario Douglas' absence against the Jaguars is explained

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas did not play for most of the second half of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now we have an official reason for it.

Douglas was involved in both of New England's early shots on goal and was targeted three times in total. He caught two passes for 14 yards on the afternoon. When he left the game, the Patriots' offense was struggling as he has become a reliable weapon for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

According to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, Douglas vomited throughout the day and the symptoms worsened as the day went on.

I just spoke with DeMario Douglas, who sat for most of the second half.

He said he vomited all day and at times couldn't get up or concentrate. Said it got worse as the day went on.

— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) October 20, 2024

The Patriots finished Sunday's game with tight end Hunter Henry and running back JaMycal Hasty as their top two targets. There was hope that rookie wideout Ja'Lynn Polk would break through, but he continued to struggle with several dropped passes in the game.

Douglas has been a great receiving weapon for New England, but to be competitive offensively this season, they will need more than just the standout second-year player.