The New England Patriots, like the 31 other teams around the NFL, are trimming down their roster from 90 players to 53 by the league's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday.
New England has three players on PUP, who could remain on the list and not count toward a roster spot, but they'd have to miss at least four games.
The Patriots have reportedly already decided to keep offensive lineman Cole Strange on PUP. Now, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, they're doing the same with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
Bourne, 29, has played in 41 games for New England over his first three seasons, catching 127 passes or 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns. He re-signed with the team on a three-year, $19.5 million deal this offseason after tearing his ACL in a Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins last year.
Without Bourne, the Patriots will likely rely on DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and Kayshon Boutte at the position.
This move actually makes it easier for the front office and coaching staff, as New England likely would've had to cut one of those six if Bourne was activated.
Now, Bourne can focus on his recovery, and the team can plan to have these guys on the roster.
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