The New England Patriots decided not to move wide receiver Kendrick Bourne at the NFL trade deadline. Given that they just signed him to a three-year contract extension during the offseason, the decision made some sense.
Perhaps the Patriots viewed Bourne as a crucial piece moving forward, right? That's especially considering that rookie quarterback Drake Maye could use a security blanket, and Bourne has proven to be a reliable target.
Why, then, did New England not give Bourne any playing time in its win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday? Bourne wasn't a healthy scratch, but he didn't register a single target.