Bourne is confident he can help the Patriots on offense: “I think I can do a lot”

Bourne confident he can help Patriots on offense: 'I think I can do a lot' originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne returned to practice Wednesday as he completed his comeback from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 8 of last season.

His presence on the field was immediately felt.

“Man, the energy, the juice, you could feel it right away,” Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters at a news conference Thursday.

“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.”

Bourne had limited participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.

His status for Sunday's Week 5 home game against the Miami Dolphins remains uncertain, but the fact that he is practicing at all is a very encouraging sign for the Patriots' offense given the struggles of the last three games.

“I’m excited to be back out there,” Bourne told reporters in the locker room on Thursday. “It's a blessing how far I've come – the journey has been tough. “But just being back out there with the boys was encouraging.”

Bourne is confident he can help this group.

“I think I can help a lot just by doing what I do best,” Bourne told reporters, as seen in the video player above. “I trust the AVP plan and the offensive plan and do what I can. Whatever they want to do to me, try to make it work and do my best.”

The Patriots' passing attack ranks last in yards per game and second to last in passing touchdowns. However, the offensive line doesn't give starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett much of a chance. He was sacked 17 times in four games.

Bourne won't help the offensive line, but he can give Brissett another good pass catcher to target. Bourne has been the Patriots' most productive wideout since signing as a free agent prior to the 2021 season. At the time of his injury last season, he had recorded a team-leading 37 receptions for 406 yards and a team-leading four touchdowns in eight games.