After beginning the yr on the reserve/PUP listing, Patriots huge receiver Kendrick Bourne will quickly be again on the sector. Head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed to reporters on Monday that the veteran huge receiver is anticipated to start out working towards on Wednesday, per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.
Bourne hasn’t performed since Week 8 of final season after struggling a season-ending ACL tear. The wideout was having considered one of his strongest campaigns previous to his damage, averaging a career-high 50.8 yards per recreation. Regardless of Bourne’s unsure standing heading into the 2024 marketing campaign, the Patriots had been comfy sufficient handing the veteran a three-year extension this offseason.
After inking a three-year, $15M take care of New England forward of the 2021 marketing campaign, Bourne usually discovered himself with an inconsistent position. He had a standout first season with the Patriots, gathering career-highs in receptions (55), receiving yards (800), and touchdowns (5). Whereas poor QB play was partly guilty for his drop in manufacturing in 2022, Bourne received into solely 441 offensive snaps, his lowest complete since his rookie marketing campaign with the 49ers. These snaps had been again up in 2023 with the wideout stepping into 73 p.c of his group’s offensive snaps previous to his damage.
Whereas the Patriots will certainly welcome again Bourne, his return shouldn’t do a complete lot to treatment a putrid offense. Jacoby Brissett has struggled beneath heart for the Patriots this season, resulting in pure requires rookie Drake Maye to take over. Bourne will probably be coming into an unsure WR room that’s at present led by the likes of K.J. Osborn, Demario Douglas and second-round rookie Ja’Lynn Polk. Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte and rookie fourth-round choose Javon Baker have typically been the odd males out. A type of gamers could also be dropped when Bourne is able to be part of the lively roster.
