Marte Mapu saw a noticeable decline in defensive snaps when the New England Patriots faced the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

But Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo made it clear it wasn’t because the second-year defender took a step back in his development.

“I think the young players are definitely growing up,” Mayo told reporters Monday, per a team-provided transcript. “I think Marte (Mapu) has taken a step forward, even though he didn’t play that much, especially on early downs.

“I just think his overall communication and control of the defense continues to improve while we don’t have the other guys in there.”

Mapu serves as a safety/linebacker hybrid for DeMarcus Covington’s defense. But his role was reduced against the Bears as veteran Jonathan Jones contributed more at free safety and New England leaned on three cornerbacks on early downs. Brenden Schooler also played more defensive snaps (five) than he had all season as the Patriots included a package for him to spy Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

Mapu, who played 98% or more of defensive snaps in three of six games this season, was limited to a season-low 40% of snaps at Soldier Field.

Mayo’s messaging, however, makes it seem Mapu won’t remain on the sideline as the Patriots welcome the Los Angeles Rams to Gillette Stadium on Sunday.