NFL
Will Kendrick Bourne play for the Patriots against the Dolphins? NFL Week 5 injury status
The New England receiver has been limited in practice as he continues his recovery from the right ACL tear that he sustained in Week 8 of last season.
The Miami Dolphins travel to Foxborough for a Week 5 showdown with the New England Patriots, and it’s shaping up to be a battle of two offenses desperately searching for answers. With both teams coming off lackluster performances, this game could be more of a grind than a track meet.
In one corner, the Patriots are fresh off a 13-point performance last week, which happens to be their average for the season. New England’s offense ranks 31st in points per game and struggles to find rhythm.
Kendrick Bourne is desperately needed in the Patriots offense
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been sacked the second-most times in the league. He is averaging just 134 passing yards per game with a passer rating of less than 80. Last week, the Patriots’ top receiver was not a wide receiver, but instead running back Antonio Gibson, who led the team with 67 receiving yards.
After three consecutive losses, the Patriots expect an offensive gain this week. Jerod Mayo confirmed on Monday that Kendrick Bourne will be activated off the PUP list after sitting out the team’s first four games. Bourne was on a career pace last season before suffering an ACL injury in Week 8 against the Dolphins. His return is welcomed and could provide a spark for the entire unit.
On the other hand, the team’s ground game has not been impressive either. New England’s lead running back, Rhamondre Stevenson, averages a modest 3.3 yards per carry.
The Patriots’ secondary also comes into this matchup shaky, having allowed Brock Purdy over 280 passing yards last week. They’ve given up a passer rating over 100 for the season, placing them among the worst in the league.
Both teams are entering this game at 1-3, and while the Patriots finally secured their first win of the season last week, it hardly felt like a turning point. The Dolphins, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back and find their offensive rhythm.