The New England Patriots are reportedly placing wide receiver Kendrick Bourne on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the 2024 season, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

This isn't surprising considering Bourne has yet to be a full-participant in practice as he continues to work his way back to health from the torn ACL injury he suffered last season.

With this move, the veteran wideout will be ineligible for the first four regular season games for the Patriots.

Before going down with the injury, Bourne was the Patriots' leading receiver. His numbers were on pace to far surpass his disappointing 2022 season as he racked up 37 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns in only eight game appearances.

The Patriots had three notable additions to the receiving corps in the offseason with rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, along with veteran K.J. Osborn.

There's hope that all three can contribute right out of the gates. DeMario Douglas' emergence as a top receiver should also give the unit a significant boost early in the season.

However, there's no doubt that the Patriots are a much better football team when Bourne is on the field. His eventual return will be a great addition to an offense that needs all of the help it can get.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots make decision on Kendrick Bourne's roster status before cut deadline