After being in the fear of losing his job, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick finally saw an end to their losing streak by securing a victory over the Buffalo Bills. However, after securing his 300th regular-season win, Belichick’s team again went back to their form and went down to the Miami Dolphins in the next week.
Besides their week 8’s embarrassing 17-31 loss to the Dolphins, the Patriots have witnessed another major blow as their prolific wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has suffered a season-ending injury. The incident occurred after the team had already lost its elite players, like linebacker Matthew Judon and cornerback Christian Gonzalez due to injuries.
Kendrick Bourne’s season-ending ACL injury devastated Patriots
During the first play of the fourth quarter in Monday’s Patriots vs. Dolphins game, Bourne tore his ACL while trying to make a catch on third-and-9 at his team’s 16-yard line. The franchise has already been dealing with back-to-back injuries, and now, with the possible loss of the receiver, team captain Matthew Slater is feeling disheartened.
“Heartbroken … Kendrick brings authenticity. He brings a contagious energy that is unmatched in this building, and his positivity is unmatched. I don’t know that I’ve ever played with someone who has the type of joy Kendrick has,” he said via Sports AI Dente.
Matthew Slater on Kendrick Bourne: “Heartbroken … Kendrick brings authenticity. He brings a contagious energy that is unmatched in this building, and his positivity is unmatched. I don’t know that I’ve ever played with someone who has the type of joy Kendrick has.” pic.twitter.com/KVc5SW9RJX
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 30, 2023
Slater kept on saying how the veteran’s dedication on the field as well as his positive outlook off the field have been radiating energy throughout the whole squad.
“Within our entire organization, Kendrick epitomizes authenticity. He remains genuine and true to himself, day in and day out. His infectious energy and unwavering positivity are unmatched, and his absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt. I can’t think of anyone I’ve played with who radiates the kind of joy Kendrick does.”
Bourne started his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers and later landed on the Patriots’ roster in 2021. He had developed a strong connection with the team’s quarterback Mac Jones who recently escaped fines after taking a dirty shot at the New York Jets star Sauce Gardner.
Kendrick Bourne expected to recover in 6-8 Months
After tearing ACL in the week 8 campaign, Bourne is expected to miss the entire 2023 NFL season, and his potential recovery period is 6–8 months, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. He will now have to start a prolonged rehabilitation process. The receiver will be able to return to action by the start of the 2024 NFL regular season, although it will completely depend on his body’s adaptivity to the treatment.
Tests this morning revealed that Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne tore his right ACL, per a source. The expectation is a 6-to-8 month recovery.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 30, 2023
The blow will also be financially heavy on him, as he will lose cash on his contract incentives along with the remaining roster bonuses. Besides that, the veteran is in the final year of his three-year deal with the Pats, which is worth up to $15 million. Now, he will have to proceed to the free agency market at the end of the 2023 NFL season with a medical red flag.
