New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson was a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game during Monday's nightmare loss to Kansas City -- a curious situation considering the Patriots' glaring lack of a playmaking, field-stretching receiver.
According to the Boston Globes' Shalise Manza Young, Dobson was benched in Weeks 3 and 4 because he "mouthed off" to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, per a source.
We don't know if that mouthing penalty will cost Dobson additional games.
A second-round pick in 2013, Dobson displayed flashes of potential as a rookie, catching 37 balls for 519 yards and four touchdowns. A foot injury cost Dobson time last season and most of his 2014 offseason.
The 23-year-old had one catch for 13 yards in Week 2, his only active game this season.
We don't know what Dobson said to warrant a benching, but it's interesting that McDaniels -- who has been the subject of fans' frustration in multiple American cities -- would find it harsh enough to potentially hinder a struggling offense by not having his one deep threat on the field.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews every Week 5 game and explains why Sammy Watkins is now a favorite for Rookie of the Year.
