Patriots activate key receiver to face Dolphins

The Patriots are adding a potentially important piece to their offense and bolstering their defense for their Week 4 game against the Miami Dolphins.

Sources told MassLive's Mark Daniels that wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and safety Marte Mapu will be activated from the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and the injured list, respectively, prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. game at Gillette Stadium.

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Mapu's timing is good as the Patriots could be without both starting safeties on Sunday. The team downgraded Jabril Peppers to out with a shoulder injury and Kyle Dugger is questionable after not practicing last week with an ankle injury.

Mapu has been a hybrid since arriving in Foxborough, switching between linebacker and safety. He appeared in all 17 games as a rookie and played 18% of the snaps on defense. He is out with a calf injury.

Bourne was in the midst of his career year in 2023 when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8. Before that, he led the Patriots with 37 receptions, 406 yards and four touchdowns in eight games. His 50.8 yards per game marked a career high.

After the surgery, Bourne was diligent in rehabilitation and had a physical therapist at his home.

He originally hoped to be ready for Week 1, but he and the team concluded he wasn't ready.

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was hopeful earlier this week.

“I wouldn’t say it’s unrealistic. I think we’ll have to sit here and see how the next few days go,” Mayo said. “These guys are at different points and they’re going to train based on how their bodies feel.”

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said his return to practice Wednesday motivated the entire team.

“Man, the energy, the juice – you could feel it straight away,” Van Pelt said. “Training was different when he stepped on the field. The way he carries himself, the energy he plays with. It’s going to be huge for us in the reception room.”