I think I can do a lot to help Patriots offense NBC Sports Boston [Video]

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne returned to practice Wednesday as he finalizes his comeback from a torn ACL suffered during Week 8 of last season.

His presence on the field was immediately felt.

“Man, the energy, the juice, you felt that immediately,” Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters at a press conference Thursday.

“Practice was different when he stepped on the field. The way that he carries himself, the energy that he plays with. It’ll be huge for us in the receiver room.”

Bourne was a limited participant in both Wednesday and Thursday’s practices.

His status for Sunday’s Week 5 home game against the Miami Dolphins remains uncertain, but the fact that he’s even practicing is a very encouraging sign for the Patriots offense given its struggles the last three games.

“Excited to be back out there,” Bourne told reporters in the locker room Thursday. “It’s a blessing how far I’ve come — the journey’s been tough. But just to be back out there …