New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo revealed that wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, as well as linebackers Sione Takitaki and Marte Mapu, will be returning to practice after being on the PUP list.
While fans should probably temper their expectations, Mayo didn’t rule out the possibility of those players playing in Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
“I wouldn’t say it’s unrealistic,” said Mayo. “We have to see how the next couple of days go.”
All three would provide reinforcements to their respective positions. Bourne has not played a down of football since last October, when he went down with a season-ending ACL injury. Mapu’s injury was undisclosed, while Takitaki is recovering from a knee scope.
Is it unrealistic for Kendrick Bourne, Sione Takitaki and Marte Mapu to play this weekend?
Jerod Mayo: “I wouldn’t say it’s unrealistic. We have to see how the next couple of days go.”
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) October 2, 2024
Getting all three players back on the field would undoubtedly help a Patriots team trying to overcome talent deficiencies on both sides of the ball.
Bourne could especially provide a spark for the struggling offense. Before the injury, the veteran pass-catcher led the Patriots in receiving yards. That kind of talent added to the mix could be significant.
