FOXBORO, MA — Just when the New England Patriots were building serious momentum, disaster struck during their final practice before Sunday’s high-stakes showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Multiple team sources have confirmed that two key offensive starters and one defensive standout suffered setbacks in Friday’s session — casting serious doubt on their availability for Week 10.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who has been a breakout weapon for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, reportedly tweaked his hamstring during red zone drills and was immediately pulled from the field. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt called the situation “concerning,” adding, “We’ll test him again tomorrow, but it didn’t look good.”
Adding to the team’s woes, starting guard Cole Strange re-aggravated a lingering knee injury, limping off mid-practice and heading straight to the locker room. The offensive line — already dealing with depth issues — could face serious problems protecting Maye against Tampa’s aggressive front seven.
On defense, linebacker Matthew Judon — the heartbeat of the Patriots’ pass rush — left early with what appeared to be a shoulder issue. Though Judon told reporters, “I’ll be fine,” sources within the organization described him as “highly questionable.”
Head coach Mike Vrabel remained composed but visibly frustrated in his post-practice press conference. “Injuries are part of football,” Vrabel said. “But the next-man-up mentality isn’t just a slogan here — it’s a standard. We’ll be ready Sunday, no matter who’s available.”
Fans, however, are in full panic mode. Social media exploded with concern Friday afternoon, with one user posting: “Typical Patriots luck — we finally get hot and the injury bug hits at the worst time.” Another wrote, “If Judon can’t go, Baker [Mayfield] might light us up.”
Still, optimism remains around Foxborough. Rookie wideout Demario Douglas has emerged as a dangerous slot option, and Maye’s poise has given the offense life again.
But there’s no question: losing key starters this late in the week is a brutal blow.
As one anonymous AFC scout put it bluntly:
“If the Patriots pull off a win in Tampa with half their starters out, it’s proof Vrabel has truly changed the culture.”
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