In one quick swoop the New England Patriots filled their three open roster spots Saturday.
The Patriots got a couple of big-time reinforcements back as New England announced that wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and hybrid safety Marte Mapu were activated to the 53-man roster. That makes them eligible to play in Sunday's matchup against the Miami Dolphins after Bourne and Mapu started the season on the physically unable to perform list and injured reserve, respectively.
New England took care of its final roster spot by signing defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy off the team's practice squad. Roy appeared in 12 games with the Vikings last season before getting cut by Minnesota after training camp this year.
The Patriots also elevated offensive lineman Bryan Hudson and linebacker Ochaun Mathis from the practice squad for the divisional clash. Hudson's promotion is noteworthy since the reserve center could be thrust into action with David Andrews on injured reserve and backup center Nick Leverett questionable for Week 5 due to an ankle injury. Hudson has never played in an NFL game.
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Bourne's and Mapu's return could jolt a New England squad devoid of playmakers on both sides of the ball. It will be the first game in nearly a year for Bourne, who caught 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns before tearing his ACL last year.
Mapu, a 2023 third-round pick, underwhelmed in his rookie season but is expected to be a focal point of New England's defense, especially with Ja'Whaun Bentley on injured reserve and Kyle Dugger listed as questionable for the contest.
The Patriots and Dolphins both look to snap three-game losing streaks when they collide at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
