KendrickBourne

News: 19 hours agoBourne (knee) remains on the active/PUP list ahead of the Patriots' Aug. 25 preseason finale, Jacob Rousseau and Bill Kochof the Providence Journal report.

Spin: It remains to be seen when Bourne -- who is bouncing back from a torn right ACL that he suffered last October -- will be able to resume practicing, but as Week 1 approaches, it becomes increasingly plausible that the veteran wideout could start the coming campaign on the PUP list. With the Patriots guided by a new coaching staff and transitioning at the quarterback and wide receiver positions, we suspect that the team will err on the side of caution with Bourne out of the gate this season. If he does end up out or limited early on, added opportunities would be available for some combination of DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, Javon Baker, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutteand Jalen Reagor.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Bourne, entering his eighth season and third with the Patriots, is returning from an ACL tear that sidelined him for the final nine games of last season. Despite New England's dreadful passing game in 2023, Bourne managed to average 6.8 targets and 12.5 fantasy points per game. No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye is projected to be the Patriots' starting quarterback, and Bourne is a candidate to pace the team in targets. Bourne is a fine late-round selection.