The Patriots’ offense is facing plenty of questions ahead of their matchup on Sunday against the Colts. One of football’s worst passing games has gotten a midseason boost from quarterback Drake Maye, but the rookie doesn’t have many quality targets to throw to. With Demario Douglas (ankle) limited in practice on Friday, New England’s already-thin depth chart could be tested this weekend.
If Douglas can’t play, the Pats might lean on Kendrick Bourne. The former 49er hasn’t done much through seven games, hauling in just sixteen catches. However, he has shown some chemistry with Maye, connecting with the QB for 141 receiving yards and a touchdown over the past three weeks. Considering the lack of options at head coach Jerod Mayo’s disposal, the team might not have any other choice but to lean on Bourne.
Most of Bourne’s competition at wide receiver comes from Kayshon Boutte and Ja’Lynn Polk. Neither possesses the same level of experience as the eight-year pro, nor have they outproduced him over the last two weeks. On Sunday against the Dolphins, the pair combined for two catches and thirteen receiving yards.
Being the best of a bad bunch doesn’t automatically elevate Bourne to must-start status, but the right matchup can. This season, Indianapolis is giving up the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL (233.3 YPG). With plenty of snaps available and a beatable opponent on the other side, the veteran could have a nice day. This isn’t someone you should be clamoring to add if Douglas is out, but those in fourteen-team or deeper leagues would need to seriously consider him for their lineups.
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