New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne returned to practice Wednesday as he finalizes his comeback from a torn ACL suffered during Week 8 of last season.
His presence on the field was immediately felt.
“Man, the energy, the juice, you felt that immediately,” Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters at a press conference Thursday.
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“Practice was different when he stepped on the field. The way that he carries himself, the energy that he plays with. It’ll be huge for us in the receiver room.”
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Bourne was a limited participant in both Wednesday and Thursday's practices.
His status for Sunday's Week 5 home game against the Miami Dolphins remains uncertain, but the fact that he's even practicing is a very encouraging sign for the Patriots offense given its struggles the last three games.
“Excited to be back out there," Bourne told reporters in the locker room Thursday. "It’s a blessing how far I’ve come -- the journey’s been tough. But just to be back out there with the guys was encouraging.”
Bourne is confident he can help this group.
“I think I can help a lot just doing what I do best,” Bourne told reporters, as seen in the video player above. “Trusting AVP’s plan and the offense’s plan, doing what I can. Whatever they want to do with me, try to make it work and do the best I can.”
The Patriots passing attack ranks dead last in yards per game and second-to-last in passing touchdowns. The offensive line isn't giving starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett much of a chance, though. He's been sacked 17 times in four games.
Bourne won't help the offensive line, but he can give Brissett another quality pass-catcher to target. Bourne has been the Patriots' most productive wideout since he signed as a free agent before the 2021 campaign. He had tallied 37 receptions for 406 yards and a team-leading four touchdowns through eight games at the time of his injury last season.