Bridge Camera RAW adjusted NEF file doesn't open in Photoshop after clicking OPEN button in dialogue

I adjust a NEF file in Camera RAW in Bridge, and instead of hitting "SAVE" I hit "OPEN" and nothing happens. .  it is supposed to open the file in Photoshop. .  so my workaround is to save the file then open in Photoshop. . can anyone suggest why "OPEN" may not work?