Kendrick Bourne’s injury recovery will last into the regular season

Kendrick Bourne is officially beginning the 2024 season on the shelf.

The New England Patriots will keep Bourne on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the 2024 campaign, as first reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Tuesday. He will need to miss a minimum of four games.

Bourne was on PUP throughout training camp and the preseason, as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered during the 2023 season. The veteran wideout caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns in eight games prior to the injury.

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The Patriots signed Bourne to a three-year deal in the off-season, with a base value of $12.3 million and $1.3 million in guaranteed salary (via Over The Cap). His stay on the PUP list could impact his potential to earn a $2.5 million guaranteed salary in 2025, if he reaches 800 receiving yards in the 2024 season.

With Bourne out, the Patriots will rely on a depth chart of K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton, DeMario Douglas, and rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. With final roster cuts looming, Jalen Reagor and Kayshon Boutte are left wondering if there's room for them on the 53-man roster.

The Patriots will need to cut down to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.