The New England Patriots are preparing for their Week 5 battle against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Gillette Stadium; their first of two meetings this season.
New England's adding four players to their roster on Saturday, as they're activating wide receiver Kendrick Bourne from PUP and safety Marte Mapu from injured reserve and elevating center Bryan Hudson and linebacker Ochaun Mathis from the practice squad.
Bourne, 29, suffered a torn ACL last year, but he caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns. He'll likely take over as the team's top receiver.
Mapu, 24, appeared in 17 games as a rookie last season, but he only played 18% of the defensive snaps. He finished the season with 18 tackles, one interception and a forced fumble. With Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers both dealing with injuries, Mapu could step into a starting role.
Hudson, 23, signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent this year out of Louisville where he appeared in 60 games at center, guard and tackle. He joined the Patriots back in August. With David and Jake Andrews both on injured reserve and Nick Leverett on the injury report, Hudson could see time on Sunday.
Mathis, 25, was a sixth-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams last season and appeared in eight games and recorded two tackles as a rookie. He signed with New England in August. The Patriots have struggled to get pressure and set the edge through four games, so they might try some other optios.
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