Patriots To Make Notable Gameday Change Against Rams

Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne didn’t play a single snap against the Chicago Bears in last weekend’s win at Soldier Field.

New England expects that to change moving forward, with head coach Jerod Mayo providing an incredibly direct answer when asked whether or not the 29-year-old would return to the lineup Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

“Yes,” Mayo said on Friday, per team-provided video.

Bourne’s removal from the lineup was somewhat surprising, especially after watching K.J. Osborn receive opportunities in favor of him. The Patriots clearly appreciate the way the entire ordeal was handled, though, and plan to help the veteran get back into the mix.

“Kendrick has had a good week of practice,” Mayo said. “Sometimes you need — I don’t want to call it a wake-up call, but to go out there and be active and not have any snaps. He’s a driven individual. He’s a very good player; we just have to get him going.”

Bourne has just eight receptions on the season, but the expectation is that he’ll become a legitimate contributor. Drake Maye has found success throwing to DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Hunter Henry, and adding another option could go a long way in bringing the offense to another level.