49ers’ Kendrick Bourne Puts League on Notice with Monster Night Against Rams

Kendrick Bourne recorded his first 100 yards game since 2022.

49ers’ Kendrick Bourne Puts League on Notice with Monster Night Against Rams

Kendrick Bourne (Image via ESPN)

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Despite signing a three-year, $33 million extension with the New England Patriots before the 2024 season, Kendrick Bourne lasted just eight games before being released in August. Bourne found solace with the same club that had given him a chance after going undrafted in 2017.

He played as the third receiver behind Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings in the absence of Brandon Aiyuk. Kyle Shanahan elevated Bourne’s status to WR1 following injury concerns to both Pearsall and Jennings.

In week five, the Niners traveled to Los Angeles to play divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. Shanahan also reinstated Mac Jones as the starting quarterback, as Brock Purdy aggravated his injured toe.

The Jones-Bourne connection produced 10 total catches and 142 yards (14.2 yards per catch) as the Niners secured a 26-23 victory in overtime. It was Bourne’s first 100-yard game since recording 6 receptions for 100 yards and 1 touchdown from Jones (as a Patriot) in a week 16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022.

Kendrick Bourne’s resurgence continues

Bourne made his second Niners debut in the week two win over the Saints. Since then, the 30-year-old has been ever-present on the roster.

49ers' Kendrick Bourne Puts League on Notice With Monster Night Against Rams
Kendrick Bourne (Image via IMAGO)

Pearsall and Jennings’ absence presented Bourne the chance to lead the offense alongside Demarcus Robinson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Christian McCaffrey as an extra slot receiver.

Jones replaced Purdy after missing the Jacksonville loss. The Patriot connection with Bourne worked wonders for the Niners.

Yeah, [Mac’s] been helping me get acclimated … just studying with him and stuff like that. He’s been just giving me tips, gems of how to think about things, and things like that. So, it’s dope to be around somebody that I know, and I’m just using it to my advantage to get acclimated.

Kendrick Bourne said about Mac Jones. (H/T: David Bonilla of 49ersWebzone)

Jones threw for 342 yards and 2 touchdowns. 142 of those yards went to Bourne’s total.

[Mac Jones] knows what he’s doing. He’s used to it. He’s been a starter in this league. He experiences everything. So, he knows what to see, he knows how to study, and he knows exactly what to do. I’m secure in how prepared he’ll be.

Bourne said

McCaffrey logged 8 for 82 yards and one score, and rookie tight end Jake Tonges racked up 7 for 41 and one score. The 2023 OPOY further contributed 22 carries for 57 yards as the Niners improved to 4-1 and are currently the leaders of the NFC West, ahead of the Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals.

Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford threw 30 completions for 389 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back Kyren Williams rushed 14 times for 65 yards, 8 receptions for 66 yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns. WR Puka Nacua caught 10 passes for 85 yards and 1 touchdown, while Davante Adams racked up 5 for 88 yards.

After four games, Bourne has 18 catches on 24 targets for 229 yards (12.7 YPC). Bourne has yet to score a touchdown in San Fran. He last scored a touchdown in a Week 11 loss to the Rams.

Since entering the league, Kendrick Bourne has played a total of 115 games, logging 310 receptions on 454 targets (averaging 2.7 catches per game) for 3947 yards, 12.7 yards per game, and 22 touchdowns, as per StatMuse.

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