New England Patriots

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) will start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, sidelining him for the first four games. Bourne tore his ACL in Week 8 last year, and it's common for such injuries to require nearly a year for full recovery. Despite the setback, the Patriots rewarded Bourne with a new three-year contract in March, reflecting their belief in his future contributions. Last season, he recorded 37 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns, averaging a career-best 50.8 receiving yards per game. With Bourne out, receivers Ja'Lynn Polk, Demario Douglas, Javon Baker, K.J. Osborn, and Tyquan Thornton will see increased opportunities. This shift will likely lead to more targets for Douglas, Osborn, and Polk in the early part of the 2024 season.

New England Patriots veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett (shoulder) left the team's preseason finale early on Sunday night against the Washington Commanders after his opening drive, but he could have returned if needed, according to head coach Jerod Mayo. It's an injury that shouldn't keep Brissett from being available for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8. The bigger concern for the 31-year-old signal-caller is that rookie first-rounder Drake Maye has outplayed him for much of training camp and the preseason, and it feels as though things are trending towards the Patriots naming Maye as their Week 1 starter. Even if Brissett is given the Week 1 start so that Maye is allowed more time to learn on the sidelines, the veteran is no more than a QB3 option in superflex leagues and will probably be on the bench sooner than later in 2024.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has noted that rookie Drake Maye is giving veteran Jacoby Brissett a run for his money in the quarterback competition. While Brissett, in his ninth NFL season, has the advantage of experiencehaving started 11 games with the Cleveland Browns in 2022 and being familiar with Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt's systemMaye's performance has closed the gap significantly. Mayo acknowledged that the difference between the two quarterbacks has narrowed in recent weeks and emphasized that the decision will hinge on which player gives the Patriots the best chance to win against the Bengals in Week 1. Maye has made a strong case with his preseason play, totaling 66 snaps, completing 21 of 34 passes for 192 yards, and tossing one touchdown with no interceptions. Additionally, he has contributed with seven carries for 32 yards and a rushing touchdown. Maye's physical talent and ability to make plays could potentially elevate the performance of skill players like Rhamondre Stevenson and Ja'Lynn Polk, making him an intriguing option for the starting role.

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III completed just five of his 17 pass attempts for 78 yards through the air during Sunday's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. He finished the game with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Although Milton's stats were far from promising, he should still hold on to the third-string quarterback role given that his main competition, Bailey Zappe, didn't enter until the final drive Sunday. As long as Jacoby Brissett (shoulder) and Drake Maye are active on gameday, Milton will ride the bench as the emergency third-string quarterback during his rookie campaign.

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk caught two of three targets for 33 yards through the air during Sunday's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. Polk, a rookie, will make the initial 53-man roster but was still competing for opportunities on Sunday. The depth chart isn't finalized yet and it's still unclear exactly what role he'll have in his rookie campaign, but there's a decent chance he could start alongside Demario Douglas. His usage could also depend on whether New England starts Jacoby Brissett (shoulder) or Drake Maye at quarterback in Week 1. As it stands, Polk is a solid dynasty target but can be avoided in most redraft leagues.