In a much-anticipated move, the New England Patriots have reinstated wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to their active roster, paving the way for his return to the field on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Bourne, a seasoned veteran with eight years of experience, has been sidelined since suffering a torn right ACL in a game against the Dolphins last October.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound receiver has been a valuable asset to the Patriots, hauling in a career-high 55 receptions for 800 yards in his inaugural season with the team in 2021. Throughout his career, Bourne has accumulated 264 catches for 3,409 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Coach Jerod Mayo expressed confidence in Bourne’s readiness, stating that he is healthy and poised to provide a much-needed boost to an offense that has struggled to find its rhythm, ranking 31st in the NFL in scoring with an average of 13 points per game.
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt echoed Mayo’s sentiments, noting the palpable energy Bourne brings to the practice field. “When he stepped onto the field, you could feel the difference,” Van Pelt said. “He’s going to be a huge asset to our receiving corps, and his ability to get open and make plays after the catch is something he excels at.”
Bourne’s return comes at a critical time, as the Patriots have struggled to generate production from their wide receivers, with a mere 29 receptions and 230 receiving yards through four games – the lowest totals in the NFL. His presence is expected to supplant that of five-year veteran K.J. Osborn, who has been hampered by a shoulder injury and did not practice all week.
In other roster moves, the Patriots activated safety/linebacker Marte Mapu from injured reserve and promoted practice-squad defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy to fill two open roster spots. Additionally, center Bryan Hudson and linebacker Ochaun Mathis were elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. However, starting safety Jabrill Peppers was ruled out due to a shoulder injury, leaving the Patriots potentially without both starting safeties, as Kyle Dugger missed the week of practice with an ankle injury.
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