Patriots: Two veteran receivers are yet to get going in training camp

Day three of training camp has wrapped up for the New England Patriots. It was another great day for the defense, but the offense continued learning the new playbook. However, even though the offense is learning a new system, two wide receivers have been noticeably quiet and, in one case, nonexistent.

Both Kendrick Bourne and Tyquan Thornton have been nonfactors through three days of training camp.

It's nothing for fans to panic over, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on as training camp progresses. Unsurprisingly, both DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster have been getting more reps, but after those two, it's not the name you'd expect for who would be getting the most reps.

It appears that Demario Douglas, a rookie out of Liberty University could be getting the nod at the starting slot receiver spot as he has also been getting reps with the starters more often than Kendrick Bourne and Tyquan Thornton.

But why?

So far, Tyquan Thornton has been nonexistent. Day three was the first time he was targeted, but rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez broke up the pass. Maybe Bill O'Brien just hasn't unlocked the way he wants to use Thornton, but it is surprising that he has only been targeted on day three.

As for Kendrick Bourne, this is a bounce-back year for him after his unsurprisingly dismal 2022 season. On day two, Bourne did not do himself any good as he had a false start, resulting in him having to run a lap.

After that, he wasn't noticeable for the rest of practice. On day three, Bourne had a perfect pass thrown his way by Mac Jones, but he dropped it.

With DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Demario Douglas getting more reps and looks, what does the future look like for Bourne and Thornton?

Is it just a coincidence that they haven't seen many looks, or is Bill O'Brien just waiting until later to use them?

It's nothing to worry about yet, but it's worth noting how little action they have seen through three days. Next week, the shells are put away, and the pads come on, so maybe Bourne and Thornton more action than they are already getting.