FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Kendrick Bourne’s memories from the last time the New England Patriots faced the Miami Dolphins in Miami are far from pleasant. In their Week 8 matchup last season, the receiver caught a short pass from quarterback Mac Jones at the beginning of the fourth quarter but suffered a serious injury after being tackled by Eli Apple. Bourne’s knee buckled on the play, forcing him to remain on the ground. Subsequent MRI results revealed a torn ligament, which prematurely concluded a season where he had been leading the team with 37 receptions, 406 yards, and four touchdowns, all during the last year of his contract.
As New England (3-8) gears up for their second game against the Dolphins this season, Bourne reflects on his previous experience. “I got hurt last year, so I’m returning to that same spot and just talking to it. Like, ‘Leave me alone,’” he expressed. This sentiment perhaps epitomizes the way the 29-year-old, now in his eighth year in the league, has dealt with the challenges that his season has presented so far.
After undergoing season-ending surgery on his knee last November, Bourne entered the free agency market but was welcomed back by the Patriots on a new three-year, $19.5 million contract. However, the receiver lost significant preparation time, missing the entire training camp and not making his season debut until Week 5 in a narrow 15-10 defeat against the Dolphins.
In the initial weeks of the season, Bourne struggled to make a notable impact, failing to find the end zone in his first five games, and was inactive in Week 10 during a win against Chicago. Despite being benched, he remained supportive on the sidelines, celebrating rookie Ja’Lynn Polk’s touchdown during the game. The following week, Bourne returned to action and produced season-best numbers with five catches for 70 yards and his first touchdown, though it was overshadowed by a 28-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
“We know what I went through. I got benched,” Bourne stated. “I just came back to work and had a solid week. It feels great. At the end of the day, I want to win. I got benched, and we won, so I’m happy. But I also want that winning feeling.” His remarks reflect a blend of personal growth and his deep connections with the franchise that he has called home for the past four seasons.
“I truly love this place. New England holds a special place in my heart,” Bourne said. “There are a lot of challenges we’re facing right now, but I believe in the potential we have. We’re better than our current record shows, and I’m committed to contributing to that growth.” A photo sent by his mother, displaying him in a post-surgery knee brace, serves as a reminder of his journey back to health.
“I’m very grateful,” Bourne reflected. “It’s been a journey, and it warms my heart to be back on the field. It feels incredible to be healthy again. Every time I leave the field, it feels different now. Just being able to walk off after practice or a game is a blessing.”
Meanwhile, the Patriots welcomed offensive lineman Cole Strange back to practice for the first time this season as he recovers from a knee injury. The 2022 first-round draft pick had begun ten games at left guard last season before landing on injured reserve. Coach Jerod Mayo mentioned that Strange will be working at both left guard and center, especially since veteran center David Andrews underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in October.