MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Patriots shook up their vast receiver depth chart, however the change may need solely been momentary primarily based on how Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins unfolded.
Patriots vast receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, a starter over the primary 5 weeks of the season, didn’t see motion till vast receiver Kendrick Bourne left the sport with a knee damage. Wide receiver DeVante Parker had already departed the sport with a head damage.
A supply informed the Herald’s Andrew Callahan that Bourne will bear an MRI on his knee Monday.
The demotion got here after Smith-Schuster changed vast receiver Jakobi Meyers within the Patriots’ offense this season as their prized free-agent signing, including him on a three-year, $25.5 million contract.
Smith-Schuster has simply 15 catches for 89 yards and a landing in six video games.
“We played multiple people,” head coach Bill Belichick mentioned. “Missed two weeks. But we played multiple people. So. whichever guy plays less, you’ll ask why that guy didn’t play more and so, we can’t play everybody.”
Smith-Schuster was out Weeks 6 and seven with a concussion. Bourne, Parker and Douglas had been the staff’s prime receivers earlier than accidents affected the group. Jalen Reagor additionally performed forward of Smith-Schuster.
“It’s what the coaches — the decisions they made with the players,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “It is what it is. I’ve been in situations like this before. So, just when the opportunity comes, make the most of it.”
Smith-Schuster’s lone catch was a 3-yard landing move from quarterback Mac Jones. That was Smith-Schuster’s first rating in his Patriots profession.
He mentioned he knew it was a risk that his snaps could be restricted coming into the sport.
The Patriots made vast receivers Tyquan Thornton and Kayshon Boutte inactive as wholesome scratches in Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins. They’ll probably costume subsequent week towards the Commanders if Bourne and Parker can’t play.
Source: www.bostonherald.com