Eli Raridon entered the New England Patriots’ rookie season with plenty of attention on what he could do as a pass catcher. The third-round pick brought a 6-foot-6 frame and the athleticism to create problems down the field;

Eli Raridon caught his lone target for 30 yards in the Patriots' Week 2 win over the Steelers.

Eli Raridon unable to return after suffering thigh injury

Patriots rookie Eli Raridon surprised Mike Vrabel with his rapid growth as a blocker before suffering a thigh injury against the Steelers.

FOXBORO — Eli Raridon holds a unique distinction. The Patriots rookie tight end scored the first touchdown of the entire 2026 NFL season. He also already has more touchdowns this season than he had in his final year in college.

Raridon Patriots look set to feature Eli Raridon heavily after a strong camp, with the rookie tight end ready for opener against the Seahawks.

Raridon is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Steelers due to a thigh injury. Raridon hauled in a 30-yard pass from Drake Maye before going to the blue medical tent to be evaluated for a thigh injury. Cameron Latu will serve as the backup tight end behind Hunter Henry for as long as Raridon is sidelined.

Offensive lineman Mike Onwenu and rookie tight end Eli Raridon are among the players on a growing injury report.