Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne returns to practice

“It’s very important (to find Bourne). He brings great energy wherever he goes,” the coach said before practice. “I know he didn’t get elected captain, but he got a significant number of votes from his peers. I thought that said a lot for a guy who didn’t work out. His energy and vibe are contagious.

Bourne was joined in practice by linebacker Sione Takitaki and safety/linebacker Marte Mapu. Bourne and Takitaki began the season on the physically disabled list, while Mapu was placed on injured reserve and designated to return before the roster was cut in August. All three became eligible to return this week.

The Patriots have 21 days to activate them to the 53-man roster or they will miss the rest of the season.

Bourne’s return was welcomed by young receivers Ja’Lynn Polk And DeMario Douglas.

“He’s explosive,” Polk said of Bourne. “If you turn on the tape, you see he takes the ball in his hands and he knows exactly what to do with it. Having a guy in the front office that’s able to go out there and do those things, that’s something we need, and it’s something we all rely on.

“I always see him smiling. You never see it down there. I mean, I saw him smile when he was hurt. It’s crazy,” Douglas said. “He has a positive mindset about everything. And I feel like that’s what most of us need, you know, especially for me. Because some things don’t go the way I want them to, but I have the chance to just look at the positive and healthy side of things. This is one of the reasons why I come here with a smile every day.

“I feel like he’s going to bring this energy that’s going to light up us, light up this big receiver room. We definitely missed his presence and we are really happy to have him back.

Keep your job?

Mayo said he had “several conversations” with Rhamondre Stevenson regarding ball security, and said that the idea of starting Antonio Gibson before Stevenson on Sunday against the Dolphins was something that was “under consideration.”

“We can’t preach that ball security is job security and it stays there most of the time,” Mayo said of Stevenson, who fumbled for the fourth time this season in the loss last Sunday against the 49ers. “So I think it sends a stronger message to the players that there are some things we just can’t do to win, especially with the team we have today.”

Asked about it Wednesday, Stevenson said he had yet to speak with Mayo, but acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

“It’s the elephant in the room,” Stevenson said. “I dropped the ball four times, so whatever the coaching staff has planned, I go with it. Go out there and train hard like I always do, and we’ll be ready for Sunday.

“I have to hold the ball. It’s a frustrating thing I’m going through right now, but I feel like it’s all going to work out in the end. I feel like it’s not really a fundamental thing. I feel like I’m holding the ball the right way and things like that. But I guess I’m not holding it tight enough. So I have to hold on.

Stevenson has totaled 267 yards and two touchdowns on 65 carries this season. Gibson rushed for 155 yards on 29 carries.

Dugger misses practice

Mayo said there was no update on the status of veterans’ security Kyle Duggerwho injured his ankle against the 49ers. Dugger (ankle) was not spotted at the start of Wednesday’s practice, joining a group of DNPs that included wide receiver KJ Osborn (shoulder), offensive lineman Caedan Wallace (ankle) and safety Jabrill peppers (shoulder). The Patriots also had a limited roster of 10 players, including offensive linemen. Védérian Lowe (knee), Nick Leverett (ankle), and Layden Robinson (ankle/wrist). . . The Dolphins held a walkthrough on Wednesday, so their practice report could be classified as an estimate. That being said, they lacked security Jordan Poyer (tibia). Linebacker Jaelan Phillips posted a message on social media saying a recent knee injury would sideline him for the rest of the season. . . Patriots add offensive lineman Jerome Carvin and tight end Jack Westover to the practice squad on Wednesday.

Christopher Price can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow him @cpriceglobe.