The New England Patriots have a wide receiving corps filled with inexperienced talent learning as they go. While Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins were not expecting to play right away after signing with the Patriots, injuries and suspensions led to both being thrust into the spotlight. Dobson has taken full advantage of the opportunity as Thompkins is suffering from rookie mistakes.
Thompkins watched the Patriots game against the Pittsburgh Steelers from the bench. The receiver was a healthy scratch, a surprising move from head coach Bill Belichick. The decision left New England short-handed at the position as Austin Collie was also sitting out with an injury. The move was a result of the wide receiver playing a season-low 13 snaps against Miami after averaging 64.9 snaps per game before that. Belichick assured the media it was not a confidence issue.
"I think KT is still making good progress and is working hard." Belichick said, via the Boston Herald. "I haven't seen any letup in his effort level or trying to do things that he knows he needs to do. I think he'll continue to improve and help our football team. Just the way things went (Sunday) with our game plan and our opponent and a combination of factors, we felt that we activated the 46 players that we felt would give us the best chance to win. I don't think anybody has lost any confidence in KT, I certainly haven't. I think he's made a lot of improvement this year. He continues to work hard and I think will continue to make it."
Through Week 9, Thompkins ranks third on the wide receiver list for the Patriots. He has 334 yards on the season and four touchdowns. He averages 14.5 yards per catch and his absence was certainly felt on Sunday. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels echoed the words of Belichick, stressing the team was confident that Thompkins would continue to be a productive player.
"And I think that a lot of those decisions (Belichick) makes, and there are a lot of things that go into those," McDaniels said. "I think Kenbrell, there's been no real change in terms of what we've seen from different guys. I think everybody is working hard and contributing in practice, and then whatever ends up happening at the end of the week and the way that Bill decides to go with it, it's really his choice and his decision based on how he sees the game being played. I'll leave that up to him."
From a fantasy perspective, owners should not lose hope in Thompkins despite the benching. The rookie will likely be back in the lineup in the next game working as one of Tom Brady's top targets.
