Kendrick Bourne is one of the New England Patriots’ best and most explosive receivers. But the veteran wideout didn’t play during Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears, and a report from the Boston Herald revealed why.
Let’s go over everything to know about Bourne and his surprising Week 10 status.
Patriots Bench Kendrick Bourne for Week 10
Bourne missed the first four games of the season while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered last year. The 29-year-old returned for Week 5 and saw his role steadily increase over the following four weeks — until Sunday.
In a post on the X platform, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald revealed that Bourne was benched for Week 10.
“Source: Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne, who played 78% of the team’s offensive snaps over the last two games, was informed yesterday afternoon he may not play today as the staff prioritizes playing time for young players. Bourne is the only WR not to play through the first five drives.”
Source: #Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne, who played 78% of the team's offensive snaps the last 2 games, was informed yesterday afternoon he may not play today as the staff prioritizes playing time for young players.
Bourne is the only WR not to play through the first 5 drives. pic.twitter.com/aylDVTDJju
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) November 10, 2024
The Patriots made six receivers active for Sunday’s game: Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, K.J. Osborn, and Kayshon Boutte. Tyquan Thornton was the lone inactive.
Callahan sent his report late in the first half before knowing whether Bourne would play over the final two quarters. Bourne finished with zero offensive snaps as his team earned an impressive 19-3 victory in Chicago. His benching surely will be a top storyline over the next week.
It’s also fair to question the Patriots for not trading Bourne before the Nov. 5 deadline after he generated interest from multiple teams.
How Well Has Bourne Played Since Returning from His Injury?
Bourne didn’t play well in the last five games.
- Week 5 (vs. Dolphins): one catch on one target for six yards; 27% snap count
- Week 6 (vs. Texans): two catches on two targets for nine yards; 52% snap count
- Week 7 (at Jaguars): one catch on two targets for 14 yards; 62% snap count
- Week 8 (vs. Jets): zero catches on three targets; 78% snap count
- Week 9 (at Titans): four catches on six targets for 41 yards; 78% snap count
It’s not just about the stats, though.
Bourne had route-running issues in all five games, an issue that’s plagued him throughout his career in New England. He also committed an ill-timed false start penalty in last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Bourne and the Patriots will host the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday in Week 11.