Kendrick Bourne, the 28-year-old wide receiver of the New England Patriots, is going to miss the remainder of the season according to Mike Garafolo. The Patriots receiver suffered a devastating season-ending torn ACL during the loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. This injury came as a blow not just for Bourne, who’s in a contract year, but also for the Patriots, who’ve been banking on his talent on the field each week. Bourne has been one of the few bright spots on a Patriots offense marred by a lack of proven playmakers. This is an opportunity for the rest of those receivers to step up and prove their worth before what could be a tumultuous offseason.
Patriots Receiver Kendrick Bourne Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury
Before the setback, Kendrick Bourne was the star of the Patriots’ offense, a silver lining in a season of fluctuating offense. His stats spoke volumes – 37 catches, 406 yards, and four touchdowns in just eight games, weaving a narrative of potential and reliability amid the Patriots’ struggle for offensive consistency. Even in the game where he sustained the injury, he was the team’s leading receiver with 36 yards and a touchdown.
The timing of the injury is extremely unfortunate given that Bourne was in the final stretch of his contract with the Patriots. A contract inked in 2021 for $22.5 million over three years. This season was unfolding with him taking on the role of lead wideout and in a pivotal contract year, he was on his way to earning himself another life-changing contract. However, destiny had a different plot in mind. The scene shifted dramatically with an MRI Monday revealing a torn ACL for the Patriots receiver. Forcing Bourne to step away from the field, putting an abrupt pause on what was shaping up to be a good finish to the year with the Patriots.
#Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne tore his ACL, source says. Frustrating end to a promising season for the veteran receiver.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 30, 2023
Looking Ahead Without Top Receiver
Bourne’s sudden absence is more than just a gap in the stats; it’s a ripple in the Patriots’ offensive scheme. As the Patriots tread through the rest of this season without their most productive receiver, there will be plenty of chances for the “next man up” mantra. A receiver room that, while they have a lot of names on the depth chart, hasn’t had much production. With the run game still struggling behind a shifting offensive line, it’s becoming hard for the Patriots faithful to be optimistic about this season. With the loss of Bourne for the rest of the year, it may be time to focus on getting more assets for next season. Bill Belichick hasn’t been one for splash plays in the past, but he’s also never been 2-6 as coach of the Patriots.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove – USA Today Sports
