Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne will open the regular season on the physically unable to perform list, according to multiple reports. That means Bourne will miss at least the first four games while continuing to work back from last October's ACL tear.
NESN's Sean T. McGuire on roster implications: "New England has five roster locks in DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton. Jalen Reagor and Kayshon Boutte competed for a roster spot at the end of camp. With Bourne on PUP, it's likely the Patriots keep at least one but there remains a possibility they keep both."
Bourne's contract ($6.5 million a year through 2026, signed this March) and the way new HC Jerod Mayo has referred to him almost certainly locks Bourne into a top-3 WR role once he returns to the field.
We'll see how soon that happens.
In the meantime, New England's top 3 have most recently looked like Polk, Thornton, and Douglas. Osborn has also seen starter time this summer but looks more likely to open at No. 4.
Polk carries the most fantasy intrigue after a buzzy summer, with Douglas carrying some promise as well. Thornton has more to prove after a disappointing second season.
Expect Bourne to push Thornton or Polk out of the lineup shortly after he returns. (I'd bet Thornton.)
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