An unexpectedly overcrowded wide receiver room has led to a lot of drama for the Patriots this season, as almost every player has taken to social media at one point to express their frustrations with their lack of usage. Whether it be due to not being included in the game plan or the unfortunate fate of being a healthy scratch, the new regime has had its fair share of difficult decision-making so far.
For the most part, analysts and fans have universally approved of those who have been sidelined or not involved much, most notably Tyquan Thornton or K.J. Osborn. Neither have been significant contributors this year for one reason or another, so the reason for their healthy scratches seemed more than obvious.
But that changed in Week 10 when the coaching staff decided it was best to keep Kendrick Bourne off the field for the entirety of the game, despite having him active for the day.
Although he started the season late due to recovering from his ACL injury, his past production and veteran leadership felt like that would earn him the right to play in every game. He was the leading receiver against the Titans just one week prior, making the decision to have Osborn in the starting lineup over him questionable at best.
Given the unanimous distaste for that choice, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt's comments to reporters on Thursday cast more doubt about Bourne's availability for the rest of the season, which doesn't sit well with most in New England.
Alex Van Pelt's comments on the receiving corps bring more questions than answers
With the questions regarding the wide receivers on their minds, reporters made sure to ask Van Pelt who they were leaning toward as the starting group for the final seven games.
While his answer sounds good on the surface, it didn't provide much clarity on what's to come for Bourne and Osborn, who have seemingly been rotating as the starting veterans over the past few weeks.
Alex Van Pelt on having more continuity at the WR position: "I think we've kind of zeroed in on who we want to work with on gameday. That will show in the coming weeks."
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) November 14, 2024
Does this mean that Osborn will remain a starter, as he did over Bourne last week?
Or could this mean Osborn was given a last chance in Week 10, and because he didn't contribute much, they have now decided Bourne should be in the starting lineup instead?
We likely won't know the answer until game day or if someone happens to ask Van Pelt before Sunday's game. Given that Bourne is considered a locker room leader and was given a contract extension this past offseason, it would seem more sensical to have him on the field as much as possible.
Drake Maye will need a veteran receiver to lean on, and because Bourne has already shown that he can be a reliable option for the rookie quarterback, there's no reason to keep him sidelined further.