Patriots Give Very Concerning Update on Injured Veteran to Begin OTAs
By Cem Yolbulan
Until he suffered a torn ACL during a Week 8 loss to the Miami Dolphins last season, Kendrick Bourne was the most productive pass-catcher for the New England Patriots. He had already caught over 400 yards and scored four touchdowns in eight games. His injury caused the Patriots' offense to collapse as New England struggled to put up points the rest of the season.
This earned him a contract extension this spring as he signed a three-year deal with the Patriots. However, it looks like Pats fans will have to wait a little longer to see their veteran wide receiver in action.
Head coach Jerod Mayo provided an update about the 28-year-old, saying he is not going to participate in the OTAs as he is still in recovery.
Patriots News: Injured Kendrick Bourne & Cole Strange Not Participating in OTAs
Some injury updates from Mayo this morning:
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) May 20, 2024
-Kendrick Bourne won’t practice this spring as he works his way back from a torn ACL
-Referred to Cole Strange as “month to month.” Said Strange has been around and in meetings, but sounds like it’ll be a while before he gets back on… https://t.co/hLbGyeSBaT
Perhaps this isn't too surprising. Bourne tore his ACL on October 30, 2023, less than seven months ago. A usual recovery timeline for a standard ACL tear is around nine months, depending on the severity and type of the injury.
If all goes according to plan, however, Bourne should have a chance to be ready for the training camp. He should still be among the leading receivers for the Patriots who have a projected WR rotation of Bourne, DeMario Douglas, and rookie Ja'Lynn Polk.
Unfortunately, Kendrick Bourne wasn't the only injured starter that the Patriots received bad news about. Patriots insider Zack Cox reported that according to Mayo, offensive lineman Cole Strange will also take a while to get back on the field. He categorized his status as "month-to-month".
Strange suffered a knee injury during training camp last year and missed the entire preseason. He played with a lingering knee injury all season until he was placed on season-ending injured reserve after the Pats' Week 14 matchup against the Chiefs. It sounds like he is nowhere near returning.
These two updates will hurt the Patriots offense to start the season. Whether it is Drake Maye or veteran Jacoby Brissett at the helm, the Patriots need to be as healthy as possible on that side of the ball to take a significant step forward following last season's disaster.
FanDuel Sportsbook has put the over/under in win totals for the Patriots at 4.5 wins, meaning that they expect a long, difficult season for Jerod Mayo & Co. They need their full complement of players back and available to have a chance to go over that line.
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