Patriots Veteran’s Roster Spot in Jeopardy or Secured? Insider Drops Surprising Hint

So, here’s the kicker: the New England Patriots have loaded up their passing game like they’re entering a high-stakes poker match—Stefon Diggs locked in with a fat contract, rookie Kyle Williams showing flashes that make you blink twice, and Demario Douglas carving up the slot just fine. But here’s where it gets juicy—the depth chart beyond those starters? Well, not exactly a garden party. Injuries have begun to shuffle the deck, and suddenly Kendrick Bourne, who was once teetering on the edge of getting the boot, might just find himself clutching the winning hand. It’s a twist that begs the question—can a few bumps and bruises give a veteran the pop he needs to stick around? I’ve gotta admit, watching how these roster puzzles come together always gets me fired up. The Patriots might be staring at some unexpected lineup surprises this season, and isn’t that what makes football so darn captivating?

The New England Patriots are all set in the passing game.

At least, that’s the case with the starters.

They gave Stefon Diggs a big-money deal, and he’s now expected to be out there in Week 1.

They also have third-round pick Kyle Williams, one of the most intriguing pass-catchers in this class, all while Demario Douglas does his thing in the slot.

It all looks a little bleak from there.

Nevertheless, team insider Mike Reiss believes that the recent injuries might work in Kendrick Bourne‘s favor.

“… with Williams and Chism also managing injuries… and Baker squarely on the bubble himself, it could give Bourne’s staying power some added pop,” Reiss said.

.@MikeReiss believes recent receiver injuries/performances could create a path for Kendrick Bourne to make the #Patriots roster.

“… with Williams and Chism also managing injuries… and Baker squarely on the bubble himself, it could give Bourne's staying power some added pop.” pic.twitter.com/DIKeDQrEzJ

— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 24, 2025

Before this string of injuries, Bourne was actually a cut or trade candidate.

He signed a three-year, $19.5 million contract with the Patriots last March, but with Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins also there and the surge of undrafted free agent Efton Chism III, he was no longer a lock to make the team.

As things stand now, it looks like Chism has done more than enough to get himself a spot on the roster, and he should be WR4 to start the season at the very least.

Bourne hasn’t always justified his salary with his production, but the Patriots might be stuck with him for the time being.

Mike Vrabel wants to lead this team back to the mountaintop, and the offense will look much better this season.

With TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson doing their thing out of the backfield, Drake Maye will have no shortage of options to pass the ball to.

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