Kayshon Boutte Injury News & Updates

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Monday that he expects Boutte (hamstring) to take part in practice Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

Boutte practiced in a limited capacity prior to being ruled out for Thursday Night Football against the Jets in Week 11 and had previously sat out Week 10 against Tampa Bay. He could need to resume practicing in full before being cleared to retake the field. In the three appearances prior to injuring his hamstring, Boutte had tallied a tremendous 10-223-4 receiving line, and he'll face an exceptional matchup against the Bengals in Week 12 if he's able to retake the field.

Boutte (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Jets.

Boutte, who was inactive this past Sunday against the Falcons, will target a potential return to action Nov. 23 against the Bengals. In his continued absence, Mack Hollins (who logged 48 snaps and six catches for 106 yards on 10 targets versus Atlanta) and Stefon Diggs (36 snaps, five catches for 46 yards and a TD on eight targets against the Falcons) should once again see added opportunities Thursday, with Kyle Williams (34 snaps, one catch on two targets for a 72-yard TD in Week 10) and DeMario Douglas (13 snaps, two catches for 34 yards Sunday) also candidates to factor in.

Boutte (hamstring) was listed as a limited practice participant Tuesday.

According to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com, Boutte was spotted working out off to the side during the media-access portion of Tuesday's session, so it's unclear if he was able to mix into drills at some point after the Patriots closed practice. With the Patriots unlikely to hold anything more than a light walkthrough Wednesday, Boutte could have a tough time proving that the hamstring injury is behind him as he aims to gain clearance for Thursday's game against the Jets. While Boutte was sidelined for the Patriots' Week 10 win over the Buccaneers, rookie Kyle Williams benefited from the biggest boost in playing time among New England wideouts and made the most of his two targets on the afternoon, taking his lone reception to the house for a 72-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Boutte (hamstring) was listed as limited on Monday's injury report.

Boutte didn't practice during Week 10 prep due to a hamstring injury and then was inactive this past Sunday at Tampa Bay. His listed activity level Monday thus is a positive sign ahead of Thursday's game against the Jets, but he'll two more chances to prove the health of his hamstring before then.

Coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that Boutte (hamstring) will be out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Boutte will thus target a return to action Thursday night against the Jets. In his absence, rookie WR Kyle Williams figures to see added snaps in Week 10, while Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins also profile as candidates to handle a portion of the targets that would normally go to Boutte.

Boutte (hamstring) didn't participate in the initial portion of Friday's practice, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

With Boutte trending toward a third consecutive 'DNP', the wideout doesn't seem likely to be available Sunday against Tampa Bay. If that ends up being the case, rookie Kyle Williams would likely see added snaps in Week 10, with Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins also candidates to absorb targets that would normally go in Boutte's direction.

Boutte (hamstring) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

With Boutte going down as a non-participant for the second straight day, his availability for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay would appear to be in peril. Before deciding whether Boutte enters the weekend with a designation or is ruled out in advance of Sunday's contest, the Patriots will wait and see if he's able to make enough progress with his hamstring injury to practice Friday in some fashion.

Boutte (hamstring) won't practice Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

With a 'DNP' to start the week, Boutte's status for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers remains cloudy. If he ends up limited or out in Week 10, Kyle Williams would likely see added snaps, with Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins available to handle targets that might otherwise go to Boutte.

Head coach Mike Vrabel said that Boutte (hamstring) likely won't practice when the Patriots begin Week 10 prep Wednesday, and the wideout's status for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay is uncertain, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Boutte played just 18 of the Patriots' 68 snaps on offense and finished with no catches on one target before being forced out of this past Sunday's 24-23 win over the Falcons due to the hamstring injury. If Boutte is unable to practice in some capacity by Friday, he'll likely be in line to miss his first game of the season. According to Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site, Vrabel specifically noted that Kyle Williams -- who played 46 percent of snaps in Week 9 -- would be the main beneficiary of more opportunities if Boutte ends up sitting out against the Buccaneers.

Boutte (hamstring) won't return to Sunday's game against the Falcons, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Boutte, who didn't catch his only target prior to his departure from the contest, will target a potential return to action next Sunday against the Buccaneers. In his absence versus Atlanta, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins are on hand to lead New England's Week 9 WR corps.

Boutte exited Sunday's game against the Falcons after sustaining a hamstring injury, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Prior to his departure from the contest, Boutte did not record a catch. In his absence, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas will lead the Patriots' WR corps, with Kyle Williams and Efton Chism also on hand.

Boutte caught three of five targets for 75 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 32-13 win over the Browns.

Mack Hollins surprisingly led the Patriots in catches, receiving yards and targets, but Boutte made a big splash with a 39-yard TD strike from Drake Maye, one of three passing touchdowns by the second-year QB in the third quarter. Boutte has gotten into the end zone in three straight games, posting a 10-223-4 line on 12 targets during that surge, and he'll look to keep rolling in Week 9 against the Falcons.

Boutte recorded two receptions on two targets for 55 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-13 win over the Titans.

Boutte saw only two targets, his lowest total since Week 2. However, he still managed to turn in a productive effort thanks primarily to a 39-yard touchdown just before halftime to give the Patriots a lead they wouldn't concede. Boutte has now found the end zone in consecutive games, also logging his second and third-best yardage totals of the season in those contests.

Boutte caught all five of his targets for 93 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 25-19 win over the Saints.

While his target volume was modest, it was Boutte's biggest share since Week 1, and he led the Patriots in receptions and receiving yards Sunday while hauling in scores of 25 and 29 yards from Drake Maye in the first half. Boutte will take an 18-301-3 line on 23 targets this season into a Week 7 clash with the Titans, and with Maye seemingly headed for a breakout campaign, the third-year wideout's fantasy value may be on the upswing.

Boutte, who logged 37 of a possible 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Bills, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, caught all three of his three targets in the contest for 43 yards.

Boutte began the regular season with a six-catch, 103-yard effort, but he was targeted just once in Week 2 and has logged three targets in each of his last three outings since then. Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs has solidified himself as the Patriots' WR1 over the past two games, a context that limits Boutte's lineup viability to deeper fantasy formats.

Boutte, who was on the field for 34 of a possible 49 snaps on offense in Sunday's 42-13 win over the Panthers, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, caught one of his three targets in the contest for 18 yards.

Since opening the season with a six-catch, 103-yard effort in Week 1, Boutte has just four catches (on seven targets) for 62 yards and a TD in three games since then. At that rate of production, he's a hit-or-miss fantasy lineup option ahead of this coming weekend's game against the Bills.

Boutte was on the field for 56 of a possible 74 snaps on offense in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Steelers, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, en route to catching two of his three targets for 28 yards.

While Boutte led the Patriots WRs in snaps in Week 3, for the second straight game his target volume was modest, as QB Drake Maye spread the ball around Sunday. After opening the season with a six-catch, 103-yard effort, Boutte's recent output makes him a hit-or-miss fantasy option ahead of this weekend's game against the Panthers.

Boutte caught his only target for a 16-yard touchdown in Sunday's 33-27 win over the Dolphins.

Boutte unsurprisingly saw a significant reduction in volume after setting a new career high with eight targets Week 1, but he made the most of his only Week 2 look, pulling in his fourth touchdown in 22 NFL games. The 23-year-old wide receiver is hanging onto a starting role on the outside, but New England likes to spread the ball around, as Drake Maye's 19 completions were split between nine different pass catchers. Up next for Boutte is a Week 3 home game against the Steelers.

Boutte (shoulder) doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Boutte upgraded to full practice participation Friday after logging limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday, which paves the way for him to maintain a key role in the Patriots Week 2 offense. In the team's season opener last Sunday, Boutte was New England's busiest (82 percent snap share) and most productive WR (6-103-0 on eight targets) in a 20-13 loss to the Raiders, an output that resulted in the 2023 sixth-rounder being a notable waiver wire add this week.

Boutte (shoulder) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Boutte was also limited Wednesday, so he'll probably need to upgrade his practice participation Friday in order to avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. If available this weekend, Boutte should have an opportunity to maintain his key role in New England's offense after compiling a 6/103/0 receiving line (on eight targets), while logging an 82 percent snap share in his team's Week 1 loss to the Raiders.

Boutte was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a shoulder injury.

Boutte briefly left Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Raiders after taking a hit in the first half, returning in short order and ultimately catching six of eight targets for 103 yards. His practice participation Wednesday, even in a limited capacity, puts Bourne on track to play Week 2 at Miami. He's one of the most popular waiver adds for fantasy this week, after leading New England in route share (82 percent), targets, air yards (137) and receiving yards this past Sunday.

Boutte brought in six of eight targets for 103 yards in the Patriots' 20-13 loss to the Raiders on Sunday.

Boutte co-led the Patriots in receptions and targets while setting the pace in receiving yards. The 2023 second-round pick is coming off an encouraging second NFL season where he posted a 43-589-3 line across 15 contests, and Boutte's second-highest career single-game yardage total essentially allowed him to pick up where he left off last season, when he recorded a 117-yard, one-touchdown tally against the Bills in Week 18.

Boutte projects to start on the outside opposite Stefon Diggs against the Raiders on Sunday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

DeMario Douglas is set to handle slot duties, with Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism on hand to provide depth in New England's wide receiver room. The Patriots figure to rely primarily on the ground game, but Boutte's role in the offense opposite Diggs could give him some occasional fantasy utility.

Boutte has been having a strong training camp, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site and Mike Reiss of ESPN report.

Lazar notes that based on recent practices, the Stefon Diggs/DeMario Douglas/Boutte trio has received a lot of reps, along with third-rounder Kyle Williams, with Mack Hollins also receiving some first-team reps since returning from the PUP list. While Diggs -- assuming his health -- and Douglas appear to be locked into key roles in the crowded Patriots wide receiver corps, Boutte remains in contention for a key role alongside that duo, while competing with Williams and Hollins, as well as Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.

Boutte still took some snaps with the starters during Thursday's walk-through, but he lost some first-team reps to Mack Hollins, who's back from the PUP list, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

In Hollins' absence, it was mostly Boutte who had been working with the first unit alongside Stefon Diggs, with DeMario Douglas in the slot. Now that Hollins is back in the mix, Boutte will continue to compete for slotting in a crowded WR corps that also includes Kyle Williams, Kendrick Bourne and Ja'Lynn Polk. While Boutte no doubt has an opportunity to secure a role in the Patriots passing offense this season, the addition of Diggs (if healthy) in particular clouds Boutte's path to steady volume in 2025, after he was third on the team with 68 targets last season.

Boutte, Stefon Diggs and Demario Douglas opened training camp Wednesday as New England's first-team wide receivers, Mike Kadlick of CLNSMedia.com reports.

Digg is locked in for one starting job -- assuming his return from an ACL tear continues to go swimmingly -- and Douglas figures to be the slot man again. That leaves Boutte to compete with rookie third-round Kyle Williams and others for one starting job, with Boutte hoping to build on his strong finish to 2024. He had 240 yards and two TDs over the final three weeks of last season, after recording 336 yards and one TD across 10 previous starts. Bourne has a chance to defend his starting job, but there's also risk of dropping off the roster if he struggles this summer, as Diggs, Douglas and Williams are locks to make it, leaving only 2-3 spots up for grabs between Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Mack Hollins (undisclosed), Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder), Javon Baker, Efton Chism and others.

Boutte, whose name was brought up in offseason trade rumors, remains with the Patriots and is slated to compete for slotting in the team's re-tooled wide receiver corps, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

In his second season with New England, Boutte broke out with 43 catches for 589 yards and three TDs across 15 regular-season games, but the offseason addition of free agents Stefon Diggs (knee) and Mack Hollins, as well as the presence of 2025 third-rounder Kyle Williams, figures to cut into Boutte's snap and target shares. Also in the mix in a crowded WR room are slot man DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, 2024 draftees Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, as well as promising UDFA Efton Chism. Of the entire group, the standing of Diggs, Douglas, Williams and Hollins appear most solid, with Boutte among the handful of WRs poised to battle for the remaining spots on the team's 53-man roster.

Boutte finished the 2024 regular season with 43 catches (on 68 targets) for 589 yards and three TDs in 15 games.

After catching just two passes in five games as a rookie, the 2023 sixth-rounder began his second campaign as a pro in depth role, but by Week 5, Boutte began seeing steady snaps, a trend that lasted the rest of the season. The LSU product remains under contract with New England through 2026 and looking ahead, Boutte's fantasy upside in 2025 hinges on what moves the Patriots make this offseason in order to bolster their wideout corps. For now, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker remain in the mix, but adding an impact player (or two) at the position is presumably a priority for the rebuilding franchise.

Boutte exited Sunday's game against the Bills due to a head injury.

Prior to his departure from the contest, Boutte caught all seven of his targets for 117 yards and a TD. In his absence, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker and Alex Erickson are available to handle New England's Week 18 wideout duties.

Boutte (illness) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Boutte was held out of Wednesday's practice after coming down with an illness, but his ability to take every rep a day later has him on track to play in Sunday's season finale versus the Bills. The second-year wideout has played at least three quarters of the Patriots' offensive snaps in 11 consecutive games and is averaging 2.9 receptions for 38.6 yards and 0.18 touchdowns on 5.1 targets during that stretch.

Boutte (illness) returned to practice Thursday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

After missing Wednesday's session, Boutte's return to the field a day later has him trending toward being available for Sunday's season finale against the Bills. The Patriots' upcoming report will clarify whether the wideout was limited or worked fully in his return to practice.

Boutte sat out Wednesday's practice because of an illness.

It's not clear if Boutte is at risk of missing Sunday's season finale due to the ailment, but he'll have two more days this week to attempt to return to practice. The wideout played sparingly last season but has grown into a bigger role this year, logging at least 75 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps every game since Week 6. If Boutte were to be unable to suit up Week 18, Kendrick Bourne would probably slide into New England's No. 2 receiver role.

Boutte caught four passes for 28 yards on five targets against the Chargers on Saturday.

In Week 16 Boutte broke the game open for the Patriots by scoring a long touchdown against the Bills, but he couldn't recreate the big play against the Chargers on Saturday. It was arguably encouraging to see Boutte draw five targets on mostly shorter routes -- part of the struggle with Boutte this year has been the boom-or-bust category he landed in as a deep-route specialist -- so if Boutte can combine the short routes of Saturday with the longer catches he provided at earlier points this year, then there could be untapped potential yet in the second-year wideout. The Patriots have their rematch against the Bills in Week 18.

Boutte recorded five receptions on seven targets for 95 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Bills.

Boutte was a major driver of the New England offense, with his first contribution coming on a beautiful 28-yard connection with Drake Maye in the front right corner of the end zone on the team's first offensive possession. He was consistently targeted by Maye deep down the field thereafter, which led to additional long receptions of 31 and 22 yards. Boutte has struggled with inconsistency this season, though his playmaking ability could cause Maye to look his way more often in the final two games of the campaign.

Boutte was on the field for 45 of a possible 51 snaps on offense in Sunday's 30-17 loss to the Cardinals, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com.

Boutte, who once again led the Patriots wide receivers in snaps, finished Sunday's contest with two catches on a team-high five targets for 19 yards. The 2023 sixth-rounder's steady rate of playing time should give him a chance to produce down the stretch, but at his current pace, Boutte is only a fantasy option in deeper formats.

Boutte was on the field for all but one of the Patriots' 72 snaps on offense in Sunday's 25-24 loss to the Colts, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com.

In the process, Boutte caught three of his six targets for 41 yards. The Patriots are on bye in Week 14, but Boutte's steady workload should give him an opportunity to carve out modest deep-league lineup utility through the upcoming fantasy stretch run.

Boutte was on the field for 60 of a possible 69 snaps on offense in Sunday's 34-15 loss to the Dolphins, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com.

Though Boutte led the Patriots wideouts in snaps Sunday, he was limited to just one catch on four targets for six yards in the contest. Prior to that, he'd caught four passes (on six targets) in each of his prior two outings, so there's some bounce-back potential for Boutte in Week 13 versus the Colts, considering his steady workload of late.

Boutte, who was on the field for 73 of a possible 76 snaps on offense in Sunday's 28-22 loss to the Rams, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, caught four of his six targets in the contest for 33 yards.

Boutte, who has been targeted six times in each of his last four games, caught four passes for the second straight week in the process. Though the 2023 sixth-rounder has topped out at 59 receiving yards over the course of his nine outings to date, Boutte's steady workload gives him enough of a weekly floor to merit lineup consideration in deeper fantasy formats.

Boutte caught four of six targets for 47 yards in Sunday's 19-3 win over the Bears.

On a tough day for both offenses, Boutte led the Patriots in targets and set a new career high in receptions. The second-year wideout has seen exactly six targets in three straight games, and in five contests since rookie Drake Maye took over as the starting QB, Boutte has posted a 13-203-1 line on 23 targets. He'll try to build on that modest production in Week 11 against the Rams.

Boutte, who was on the field for 66 of a possible 69 snaps on offense in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to the Titans, caught two of his six targets in the contest for 18 yards, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Boutte once again led the Patriots wideouts in snaps Sunday, but wasn't able to parlay that into significant production versus Tennessee. As long as the 2023 sixth-rounder sees steady playing time with Drake Maye at QB for the team, he'll have a chance to make a mark, but for now he's not a high-percentage fantasy option ahead of this weekend's game against the Bears.

Boutte was on the field for 55 of a possible 67 snaps on offense in Sunday's 25-22 win over the Jets, en route to catching three of his six targets for 46 yards in the contest, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

For the third straight game, Boutte led the Patriots' wideouts in snaps, and in the process the 2023 sixth-rounder tied TE Hunter Henry with a team-high six targets in Week 8. Given that he's earned steady playing time of late, Boutte could be worth a look in deeper leagues to see how he progresses as the season continues, but so far he's topped out at three catches and 59 yards in a single game.

Boutte was on the field for 50 of a possible 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 32-16 loss to the Jaguars, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Boutte, who was in the starting lineup once again Sunday, led the Patriots wideouts in playing time for the second consecutive game, while catching one of his two targets for 33 yards. With the 2023 sixth-rounder having begun to carve out a steady role in New England's offense, Boutte is a player who could soon merit fantasy lineup consideration if he's able to parlay his playing time into increased on-field chemistry (and in turn, added production) with rookie QB Drake Maye.

Boutte caught all three of his targets for 59 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 41-21 loss to the Texans.

Most of Boutte's production came on a 40-yard touchdown catch, which got the Patriots on the board just before halftime. Boutte has caught seven of his eight targets this season, so perhaps the touchdown catch will earn him a larger role moving forward in a Patriots offense desperate for production from wide receivers on the outside. He'll have some upside as a Week 7 dart throw against the leaky Jacksonville secondary at Wembley Stadium.

Boutte was on the field for 40 of a possible 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 15-10 loss to the Dolphins, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

With K.J. Osborn (shoulder) inactive, Boutte, who caught both of his targets in the contest for 34 yards, saw his most extensive playing time to date in Week 5, effectively overtaking fellow WR Tyquan Thornton in the pecking order. However, once Kendrick Bourne -- who was eased back into action Sunday -- starts seeing more playing time and/or Osborn returns, Boutte figures to see limited opportunities in the Patriots offense.

Boutte was on the field for 15 of a possible 64 snaps on offense in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the 49ers, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Boutte, who caught his only target in the contest for 11 yards, remains behind Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn and DeMario Douglas in the Patriots' WR pecking order. The 2023 sixth-rounder thus remains an injury or two away from logging steady playing time in the team's offense.

Boutte is active for Thursday night's game against the Jets, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Boutte was a healthy scratch this past Sunday against the Seahawks, but he'll re-enter New England's WR depth mix in Week 3. With Boutte back in uniform, the team has six wide receivers available Thursday.

Boutte (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Seahawks.

Boutte didn't play any snaps in Week 1 despite being active, and he now won't even suit up in Week 2. It's a relatively discouraging development for Boutte given New England's lack of elite talent at wideout.

Boutte didn't record any snaps in the Patriots' 16-10 season-opening win over the Bengals on Sunday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

While DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Ja'Lynn Polk each logged between 35 and 40 snaps in Week 1, Boutte didn't see any action versus Cincinnati. He's off the fantasy radar for now, which can also be said for 2024 fourth-rounder Javon Baker, who was a healthy scratch Sunday.

The state of Louisiana dropped misdemeanor underage gambling and felony computer fraud charges against Boutte, the receiver's attorney announced Tuesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The 22-year-old was arrested in January in Baton Rouge, La. after he was alleged to have taken part in illegal sports betting while under the legal age of 21 during his time in college at LSU. Even while his legal situation was unresolved, Boutte was a full participant in spring practices for the Patriots, and he's unlikely to be subject to discipline from the NFL now that the charges have been dropped. A 2023 sixth-round draft pick, Boutte suited up in just five games as a rookie and will be fighting for a roster spot in a New England receiver group that lacks a true No. 1 option but has plenty of depth.

Boutte turned in a strong effort during Wednesday's mandatory minicamp session, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

On the last day of minicamp practice prior to the Patriots' summer break, Boutte logged a team-high five catches during team drills, which Lazar notes included a sequence in which the 2023 sixth-rounder reeled in three consecutive scores. As the coming season approaches, Boutte will have to compete with the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor for slotting in a wideout corps that also includes Kendrick Bourne, who's bouncing back from a knee injury, as well as likely roster locks in the youthful trio of DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. Additionally, it's possible that Boutte could face NFL discipline stemming from his January arrest and subsequent charges of computer fraud and gaming prohibited for persons under 21.

Boutte finished the 2023 season with two catches on seven targets for 19 yards in five games with the Patriots.

During his rookie season Boutte logged just 117 snaps, but the 2023 sixth-rounder is viewed as a player with some untapped potential, given the promise that he displayed early on during his college career at LSU. Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Boutte will look to carve out a role in New England's offense, but at this stage where he lands in the wideout pecking order hinges in large part on the team's upcoming roster moves via free agency and the draft.

Boutte (illness) is no longer on the Patriots' injury report Wednesday.

Boutte missed New England's loss to the Bills on Sunday, but the rookie wide receiver appears to have recovered since and should be good for Week 18 against the Jets. The LSU product hasn't found much success in his first NFL campaign, suiting up just four times and making two catches on seven targets for 19 yards.

Boutte has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills due to an illness, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

With Boutte unavailable, DeVante Parker, Demario Douglas, Jalen Reagor and Tyquan Thornton are in line to handle the Patriots' WR duties Sunday. Boutte's next chance to see game action will arrive in the team's season finale next weekend against the Jets.

Boutte is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Boutte has been managing a shoulder issue, but didn't carry a Week 15 injury designation, so it appears as though he's a healthy scratch Sunday. With JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) also inactive, the Patriots' WR duties versus Kansas City will be handled by DeVante Parker, Demario Douglas, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor.

Boutte (shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Boutte missed the Week 14 win over Pittsburgh and now is looking at an uncertain role Week 15 with each of JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle), DeVante Parker (knee) and Tyquan Thornton (hamstring) listed as questionable. The most likely outcome at this point is Boutte handling a depth role, with Demario Douglas out of concussion protocol and locked in as a starter while at least one or two of the guys listed as questionable figure to play.

Boutte (shoulder) was a limited participant at the Patriots' practice Wednesday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Boutte was forced to miss the team's Week 14 win over the Steelers on Thursday Night Football, so his participation Wednesday is a positive sign. The wide receiver will look to build off of Wednesday's session as the week goes on prior to Sunday's contest with the Chiefs.

Boutte (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Steelers.

Boutte will miss his 10th game of the season with a shoulder injury. He was able to get in a limited session Tuesday, but it wasn't enough for him to suit up for Thursday's game. Fellow wideout Demario Douglas (concussion) has also been ruled out for Week 14 while DeVante Parker (knee) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) are both listed as questionable.

Boutte (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's injury report.

Boutte was listed as a DNP on Monday's practice estimate, so this is a step in the right direction for the rookie receiver. However, it's not clear if the Patriots ran a typical practice or walkthrough Tuesday, but he'll have another opportunity to ramp up his active level Wednesday. He should still be considered questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Steelers.

Boutte (shoulder) was a non-participant on Monday's practice estimate.

Boutte was unable to practice last week and missed the team's loss to the Chargers on Sunday. Although the report is just an estimated level of participation, it's not a good start to the week for the LSU product and his chances of suiting up Thursday against the Steelers. He'll likely need to get on the field in some capacity Tuesday to have a chance to play.

Boutte (shoulder/illness) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Chargers.

The rookie wideout is in line to miss his ninth game of the year Sunday, as he continues to recover from an illness and a shoulder issue. Boutte has hauled in two of his seven targets on the year, playing a total of 92 snaps (all on offense).

Boutte (shoulder/illness) is not present for the portion of Friday's practice open to the media, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Boutte appears to be sidelined practice again, after having begun the week with a non-contact session Wednesday before sitting out Thursday. He is now listed as dealing with an illness, in addition to his shoulder injury. If Boutte isn't able to suit up Sunday versus the Chargers, Jalen Reagor will have an avenue to avoiding the inactive list.

Boutte (shoulder) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Boutte was a limited participant Wednesday in the Patriots' first Week 13 practice while sporting a non-contact jersey, but he took a step back in terms of activity a day later. At this stage, the rookie out of LSU's availability for this Sunday's game against the Chargers is looking uncertain. Boutte was active for just the third time this season in this past Sunday's 10-7 loss to the Giants, logging 11 snaps on offense while finishing with one catch for eight yards on two targets.

Boutte (shoulder) was a limited participant at the Patriots' practice Wednesday.

Boutte opened the week by logging a limited practice session Wednesday as he's dealing with an apparent shoulder injury. The rookie played 11 offensive snaps in Week 12 versus the Giants, reeling in one pass for eight yards and he'll look to increase his workload at practice the rest of the week in order to be available for Sunday's matchup with the Chargers.

Boutte was on the field for 26 of a possible 69 snaps on offense in Sunday's 10-6 loss to the Colts, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

In his first game action since Week 1, Boutte caught his only target for 11 yards. Heading into the Patriots' bye week, the 2023 sixth-rounder is off the fantasy radar, though it's possible Boutte could see added opportunities in the coming weeks, as the team looks for any level of consistent production from wideouts other than fellow rookie Demario Douglas.

Boutte is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Boutte hasn't seen game action since Week 1, but with Kendrick Bourne (knee/IR) and DeVante Parker (concussion) out, the 2023 sixth-rounder rounder will have an opportunity to carve out a role Sunday in a WR corps that also includes Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Reagor and Tyquan Thornton. Until Boutte gets a full and productive game under his belt, however, the LSU productive is off the fantasy radar.

Boutte (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Commanders, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Though Kendrick Bourne (knee/IR) and DeVante Parker (concussion) are out Sunday, Boutte won't suit up in Week 9. As a result, the Patriots' WR corps versus Washington will feature Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Reagor and Tyquan Thornton.

With Kendrick Bourne out for the season with a torn ACL, Boutte could have a chance to carve out a role in the Patriots offense in the coming weeks, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

Meanwhile, DeVante Parker was forced out of the Patriots' Week 8 loss to the Dolphins with a head injury, so Boutte could return to the mix this weekend against the Commanders after being a healthy inactive versus Miami. Boutte last saw game action in Week 1, when he logged 55 snaps and four targets (with no catches) in New England's 25-20 loss to the Eagles.

Boutte (hamstring) was not listed on New England's injury report Wednesday.

Boutte has been inactive for the Patriots' last six games, but he's apparently back to full strength going into Week 8. He drew four targets in his only game up to this point in Week 1, but with New England's pecking order for targets now decently well-established, he may not even see that many come Sunday at Miami.

Boutte (hamstring) is listed as inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Bills, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

After limited practice in consecutive days to finish the week, a hamstring injury will keep Boutte from suiting up this week. He will now set his sights on recovering in time for the Patriots Week 8 contest in Miami.

Boutte (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Bills, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Boutte popped up on New England's injury report this week with a hamstring injury, which held him to limited participation in both Thursday and Friday's practices. The rookie wide receiver out of LSU has appeared in only one game this year, with that being the Patriots' Week 1 loss to the Eagles. He was unable to haul in any of his four targets in that one appearance.

Boutte (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Boutte presumably sustained the hamstring injury during practice, as he was not listed on New England's injury report Wednesday. He's played in just one game through six weeks in 2023, failing to haul in any of his four targets in that contest.

Boutte is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jets.

With Boutte inactive for the second week in a row, the Patriots' Week 3 WR corps will feature the quartet of DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas. For now, Boutte is off the fantasy radar until injuries hit.

Boutte is inactive for Sunday night's game against the Dolphins.

A hamstring issue limited Boutte in practice earlier this week, but he didn't have an injury designation for Sunday's contest. With Boutte the odd man out in Week 2, the Patriots will proceed with a WR corps that includes JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas and Jalen Reagor.

Boutte (hamstring) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Boutte was limited Wednesday and Thursday due to a hamstring injury but upgraded to full participation Friday to avoid an injury designation. Fellow wide receiver DeVante Parker (knee) is listed as questionable after three limited practices. In the Week 1 loss to the Eagles, Boutte played 55 of New England's 80 offensive snaps with Parker sidelined, but the 2023 sixth-round pick was held without a catch on four targets while three other Patriots wide receivers garnered at least seven targets.

Boutte (hamstring) remained limited in Thursday's practice.

With DeVante Parker (knee) out for Week 1, Boutte's 43 routes were second on the team, trailing only Kendrick Bourne's 54 in a loss to the Eagles. The rookie was mainly running clear-out routes, failing to catch any of his four targets while averaging a robust 23.3 yards average depth of target. Boutte will likely head back to the bench once Parker is cleared to return.

Boutte (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

DeVante Parker (knee), who sat out the team's 25-20 Week 1 loss to the Eagles, was also limited Wednesday. Boutte failed to catch any of his four targets in the season opener. Even if Boutte plays Sunday against the Dolphins and Parker doesn't, Boutte will likely continue to work behind Kendrick Bourne (11 targets, two touchdowns in Week 1), JuJu Smith-Schuster (seven targets, four catches in Week 1) and Demario Douglas (seven targets, four catches in Week 1).

Boutte was on the field for 55 of a possible 80 snaps on offense in Sunday's season-opening 25-20 loss to the Eagles, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Boutte saw an expanded workload in Week 1, with fellow WR DeVante Parker (knee) inactive, but the 2023 sixth-rounder wasn't credited with a catch on four targets. Boutte did appear to haul in a key fourth-down pass inside the 10 late in the game, but a replay review revealed that he had only one foot inbounds. Looking ahead to Week 2, Boutte's role in the offense hinges on Parker's availability. If Parker is back in action, Boutte figures to work in a complementary role behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne and Parker.

Boutte may be in store for added snaps Sunday against the Eagles with DeVante Parker (knee) listed as questionable for the contest but likely to sit out the season opener, Karen Guregian of The Springfield Republican reports.

JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne should be locked in as the Patriots' primary receivers in two-wideout sets sans Parker, but Boutte and fellow rookie Demario Douglas should see extra reps in three-wide sets. Meanwhile, Mike Gesicki could also get a bump in playing time in the likelihood that New England makes more use of two-tight end formations with Parker out of the lineup. Though Douglas drew more rave reviews of the two rookies during training camp and the preseason, the six-foot, 195-pound Boutte is more suited to play snaps on the perimeter and may be more capable of filling Parker's role as New England's top downfield threat.

Boutte played just one drive at the start of Friday's preseason loss to Tennessee, suggesting he's in good position for a roster spot, according to ESPN's Zack Cox.

Fellow sixth-round pick Demario Douglas appears to be in even better position, as he was one of the many players the Patriots rested Friday night. Boutte ran only one route, so his lack of statistics in the preseason finale isn't a bad sign. He won't necessarily have a role Week 1 against the Eagles but at least seems headed for a spot on the roster.

Boutte caught both of his targets for 49 yards (including a 42-yard TD) in Saturday's preseason contest against the Packers.

Per Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site, Boutte turned in a strong showing during joint practices with Green Bay ahead of the contest. As Week 1 approaches, the 2023 sixth-rounder is looking to secure a spot in a WR corps that's led by JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne, with Tyquan Thornton also in the mix. Meanwhile, fellow rookie Demario Douglas has been making a strong case for a role in New England's pass-catching corps in 2023, so Boutte will need to maintain his momentum ahead of cut-downs in order to earn a spot on the team's initial 53-man roster.

Boutte had a strong practice Wednesday, including his first catch from QB Mac Jones in full-team drills, MassLive.com's Mark Daniels reports.

The sixth-round pick reportedly did well in 1-on-1s and then got his first action of the summer with the first-team offense. Fellow rookie Demario Douglas, also a sixth-round pick, has made more of a splash this summer, but there may be room for both to get looks on the first unit with 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton first struggling and now possibly injured. While the top two spots on the depth chart seem pretty safely in the hands of JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker, everything else appears up for grabs in New England's WR room, giving the rookies an opportunity to usurp not only Thornton but also Kendrick Bourne.

The Patriots selected Boutte in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 187th overall.

Boutte (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) was standout recruit for LSU who at one point appeared a potential star after a brilliant first two seasons with the Tigers. Boutte drew 131 targets in those first 16 games, catching 83 passes for 1,243 yards and 14 touchdowns all before turning 20. Unfortunately he fell off in his 2022 junior season, logging just 48 receptions for 538 yards and two touchdowns on 74 targets, and from there began a rising sense of concern about Boutte's character off the field. He struggled at the combine, testing below average across the board and testing truly awful in the jumps (29-inch vertical, 118-inch broad jump). Boutte's workout was so poor that it makes it difficult to believe he was training properly -- it's almost inconceivable that Boutte produced the way he did in his first two seasons while running and jumping as poorly as he did at the combine. It's possible that Boutte could prove to be a steal for New England down the road, but for now he's behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Pa

The Patriots selected Boutte in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 187th overall.

Boutte (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) was standout recruit for LSU who at one point appeared a potential star after a brilliant first two seasons with the Tigers. Boutte drew 131 targets in those first 16 games, catching 83 passes for 1,243 yards and 14 touchdowns all before turning 20. Unfortunately he fell off in his 2022 junior season, logging just 48 receptions for 538 yards and two touchdowns on 74 targets, and from there began a rising sense of concern about Boutte's character off the field. He struggled at the combine, testing below average across the board and testing truly awful in the jumps (29-inch vertical, 118-inch broad jump). Boutte's workout was so poor that it makes it difficult to believe he was training properly -- it's almost inconceivable that Boutte produced the way he did in his first two seasons while running and jumping as poorly as he did at the combine. It's possible that Boutte could prove to be a steal for New England down the road, but for now he's behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Pa