Patriots Fans Will Be Encouraged By This Kendrick Bourne Update

The New England Patriots could use reinforcements on the offensive side of the football.

New England's offensive line has struggled in pass protection, and the group of wide receivers combined for just 169 yards on 21 catches in three games. Those struggles have the Patriots ranked dead last in yards and second-worst in points scored.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo on Monday hinted the offense could receive a boost in the near future. That boost is none other than wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after a season-ending ACL tear last October.

"Yeah, he's making great progress," Mayo told reporters, per a team-provided video. "He's running fast, looks good in his routes. When he's ready to be out there, he'll be out there."

Mayo on Thursday told 98.5 The Sports Hub's Scott Zolak that Bourne was "close" to a return.

Bourne is eligible to return after Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. It's unknown if that will be the case, but Mayo's sentiments indicated Bourne has been on the field and is nearing his return.

Bourne was the team's leader in receiving yards and on pace for a career season before he suffered the ACL tear. He finished with 37 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns in eight games.