Kendrick Bourne’s lack of playing time in Patriots offense remains hot topic

Kendrick Bourne’s lack of playing time remains a talking point and a curiosity.

When he’s on the field, he’s productive. On Sunday, Bourne had four catches for 58 yards in New England’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. And yet, he was only on the field for 17 snaps, which was less than last week against the Steelers.

With Jakobi Meyers out nursing a knee injury, it would have seemed like a perfect opportunity for Bourne to get on the field more. Only, it didn’t happen.

During his media conference Monday morning, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was asked about what’s preventing the former Eastern Washington receiver from getting more playing time. Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, who had no catches and was targeted just once, and was second to DeVante Parker (62) with 53 snaps.

Belichick doesn’t seem to think there’s an issue with that scenario.

“We played all our skill players yesterday. I think they all played quite a bit, other than Pierre (Strong Jr.),” said Belichick. “But both backs, both tight ends, all the receivers played. I thought we moved the ball. We just had turnovers, but I thought we moved the ball well with the groups that were in there, running game and passing game. Obviously, the turnovers hurt us.”

Belichick was also asked about Bourne’s lack of playing time during his weekly appearance on WEEI’s Greg Hill Show. He provided a little more of an explanation.

“It’s a decision on the type of formations, the type of plays you’re running, they’re running,” he said. “It was a lot of loaded, heavy boxes from the Ravens. That involves some things in the running game.”

Humphrey is a wide receiver, who also has the skill set of a tight end in terms of blocking.

“It gives us a little bit of both when he’s on the field,” said Belichick. “But that being said, I think all of our receivers were productive in the roles we were asked them to be in.”