New England Patriots wideout Kendrick Bourne has gone from being the second-leading receiver on the roster to few targets and catches in training camp.
In a light practice on Monday, he didn’t even catch a single pass from quarterback Mac Jones. That doesn’t exactly bode well with the team in the second week of preseason and the regular season opener right around the corner.
Bourne finished the 2021 season with 55 receptions for 800 yards and was believed to be the team’s best big-play option in a paper-thin receivers room. But that version of the 27-year-old has been nowhere to be found on the practice field with this year’s roster.
One of the under-the-radar surprises of Patriots camp is how quiet Kendrick Bourne has been.
Per my charting, here's his catch/target totals from competitive team drills (11s and 7s) in each camp practice. pic.twitter.com/NH6KEzUTqw
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 15, 2022
When asked about the rapid drop in production, Bourne was blunt in his response, a telltale sign of a player adopting “The Patriot Way.”
“I’m definitely just playing my role, man,” Bourne said, via NESN’s Zack Cox. “Not trying to do too much, do too little. Whatever they ask of me, just go do it. If I’ve got to be on the bench, I’ll be on the bench. Whatever it needs to be. Everybody has that role, and once you can play in your role, that helps the team, without crying or being mad about anything. Just waiting for that chance and taking advantage of it.”
There are a lot of moving parts right now with the Patriots’ offensive situation still fluid, following the exit of longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Bourne should be commended for playing his role, but considering the impressive production he had last season, time will tell if it’s ultimately befitting of a player with his talent.
