As for the Dolphins, they elevated a pair of players from the practice squad to the active roster, including former New England long snapper Tucker Addington.
Bourne feels better about Miami
Sunday afternoon will represent a full-circle moment for wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
The veteran saw his 2023 season come to a premature end last Oct. 29 in Miami when, on the first play of the fourth quarter, he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee. At the time of his injury, he was leading the Patriots with 37 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns.
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On Sunday, he’ll make his return to Hard Rock Stadium when New England meets Miami.
“I’m going to go to the spot I was [hurt], and kind of talk to [the turf], you know? ‘Leave me alone,’ ” Bourne said with a laugh.
After starting the season on the physically unable to perform list because of the injury, the 29-year-old Bourne has registered 13 catches on 19 targets for 140 yards and a touchdown in six games. He said this week his time away deepened his appreciation for the game.
“My mom sent me a picture the other day where I had a brace on my knee and stuff, like from a year ago. I’m just very thankful,” Bourne said. “It was a journey, and when I think about it, it’s heartwarming to be back. I feel like I’m back to where I was, and doing exercises, doing body compositions, seeing where my body was.
“I’ve made it to a good point. Just got to keep stacking it up. So every time I leave the field now, it feels different. It’s a blessing to make it off every time.”
Baker’s return yet to come
Rookie receiver Javon Baker started last week’s game with a bang, returning the opening kickoff for 45 yards. It was the longest kick return of the season for the Patriots. However, he muffed the second, and was eventually replaced by running back JaMycal Hasty.
On Monday, coach Jerod Mayo explained the decision to yank Baker.
“He didn’t execute the way that we all had hoped he would,” Mayo said. “I know it was a big return. Even on that big return, it was one of those situations where, ‘Is he coming out? Is he not coming out?’ And same thing with the second kickoff return.”
On Friday, special teams coach Jeremy Springer expanded on the decision, and took responsibility for not coaching up Baker properly.
“There’s certain things back there, from a communication standpoint, that I can do better throughout the week so that he’s more prepared for certain kicks that you’re getting with the temperature, with the wind,” Springer said.
“It’s something that we’ve really worked on this week and he’ll continue to get better,” he added. “Definitely not giving up on the guy.
“When the situation calls for it, we’ll have him back there at times. Once we start feeling completely comfortable giving him more exposure to certain type of kicks, then he’ll be our guy. I never want to put him in a bad situation because I know how talented he is.”
On Friday, the Patriots had five kickers in for tryouts: Jose Borregales (Miami), Tanner Brown (Oklahoma State), Lucas Havrisik (Arizona), Noah Rauschenberg (North Texas), and Cade York (Louisiana State).
It’s unlikely New England is looking for a replacement for Joey Slye, who is an impressive 19 of 22 on field goal attempts (including 3 of 4 from 50-plus) and 15 of 16 on extra points. But it never hurts to keep your emergency lists updated in case something does happen.
