The Patriots are going to shake things up on Sunday.
New England dealt with a litany of issues in the wide receiver room this season, particularly regarding how they’ve all felt about their roles.
Ja’Lynn Polk got the party started with a since-deleted post after he failed to catch any of his three targets from Drake Maye in last Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. K.J. Osborn reposted a screenshot that depicted his frustrations. Kayshon Boutte admitted he’s started demanding the ball, despite averaging a whopping one catch per game across two seasons. DeMario Douglas, Tyquan Thornton and Javon Baker aren’t off the hook, either, as they’ve each taken exception with their usage at different points throughout the young season.
Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt essentially called out the unit for failing to “look inward” amid their frustrations, but at least one of those guys will see increased opportunity moving forward.
“Tyquan has done a good job at practice,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said Friday, per team-provided video. “I’m looking forward to seeing him in a game. He will be at the game. He’s had a great week of practice; he’ll be there, and hopefully, it translates.”
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New England doesn’t have much choice but to bring Thornton back into the fold, as Polk remained in concussion protocol entering the weekend. Mayo also confirmed that Osborn would play in Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets, so it looks like rookie quarterback Drake Maye will be throwing it to Osborn, Thornton, Boutte, Douglas and Kendrick Bourne.
Polk and Baker, the two rookies in the mix, will have to earn their way back into consideration.
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
