NFL
A GIGANTIC SETBACK: New England Patriots Wide Receiver Kendrick Bourne Will NOT Be Reinstated In The Patriots Squad, Due To…
A GIGANTIC SETBACK: New England Patriots Wide Receiver Kendrick Bourne Will NOT Be Reinstated in the Patriots Squad Due to Lack of Performance.
The New England Patriots have made a decisive and controversial move, as wide receiver Kendrick Bourne will not be reinstated to the active squad, sources close to the organization confirm. Despite some speculation that Bourne might return and contribute to a struggling Patriots offense, the coaching staff has ultimately decided to move forward without him. The decision signals a lack of confidence in Bourne’s recent performance and a broader focus on retooling the team.
Kendrick Bourne arrived in New England in 2021, signing a three-year, $15 million deal that many believed would solidify him as a key part of the Patriots’ receiving corps. In his first season, Bourne showcased his potential, racking up over 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His dynamic playmaking ability added a much-needed spark to an offense that was transitioning after the Tom Brady era.
However, things began to unravel in subsequent seasons. Bourne struggled to replicate his initial success, with his production dipping significantly in 2022 and 2023. This season has been particularly challenging, with the wide receiver managing just 375 yards and a single touchdown through nine games. His inability to separate from defenders and inconsistent route running became glaring issues, drawing the ire of both fans and the coaching staff.
The Patriots, currently sitting near the bottom of the AFC East with a dismal 3-9 record, are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. Head coach Bill Belichick and his staff have been vocal about the need for accountability and high performance across the roster. According to reports, Bourne was given opportunities to regain his footing in the lineup but failed to seize them.
This decision may not come as a complete surprise to those who have closely followed the team. Bourne was a healthy scratch in multiple games this season, a clear indication that he had fallen out of favor. Additionally, whispers of friction between Bourne and the coaching staff have circulated in recent months, with some suggesting that his work ethic during practices was not up to the Patriots’ exacting standards.
For Bourne, the road back to relevance in the NFL may now be steeper than ever. At 29 years old, he is entering a critical phase of his career, and his diminished output, coupled with the Patriots’ public stance, could make it challenging for him to secure opportunities with other teams.
On the other hand, this decision opens the door for younger talent on the Patriots roster. Players like rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas and veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster are expected to take on expanded roles as the team experiments with its offensive scheme heading into the final weeks of the season.
Patriots fans are divided over the decision. While some argue that Bourne’s release is a harsh punishment for a player who once showed promise, others see it as a necessary step in shaking up a stagnant offense. “It’s a shame it didn’t work out for Kendrick here, but the Patriots need to move forward,” said one fan.
As the Patriots continue to navigate a turbulent season, one thing is clear: this move underscores the franchise’s commitment to rebuilding and redefining its future, even if it comes at the expense of once-promising players like Kendrick Bourne.
