Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Drake Maye, Patriots Suffer Unfortunate Development Before Jets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Dec 26, 2025 2:09 PM ET

The New England Patriots are looking to close out the regular season with critical wins in Week 17 and Week 18 to solidify their hold on the top spot in the AFC East. After defeating the Baltimore Ravens 28-24 in Week 16, the Patriots improved to 12-3 and clinched a playoff berth, keeping alive the possibility of an AFC East title and an undefeated road record.

In that victory, second-year quarterback Drake Maye completed 31 of 44 passes for 380 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, leading a late comeback and earning praise for his performance. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs also made a significant impact with nine receptions for 138 yards against Baltimore, while Rhamondre Stevenson scored the go-ahead touchdown.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10).James Lang-Imagn Images

However, the win over the Ravens came with a cost. During the game, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte exited with a head injury, later reported to be a concussion after he was evaluated. Boutte has since missed practice under the NFL’s concussion protocol, raising concerns about his availability for Week 17.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that Boutte, along with guard Jared Wilson and running back TreVeyon Henderson, are all in concussion protocol, jeopardizing their status for Sunday’s divisional matchup against the New York Jets (via Patriots reporter Mike Reiss)

On Friday, Vrabel announced that Boutte has been ruled out for Week 17 due to the concussion, a significant blow to New England’s passing attack.

Mike Vrabel announces these 7 players will not play vs. Jets on Sunday:

WR Kayshon Boutte
LG Jared Wilson
WR Mack Hollins
DT Khyiris Tonga
LB Robert Spillane
OLB Harold Landry
DT Milton Williams won't be activated off IR

WR Pop Douglas & RB TreVeyon Henderson are questionable
— Morey Hershgordon (@MHershgordon) December 26, 2025

Boutte had been emerging as a key downfield target before the injury, contributing valuable yardage and field-stretching ability. Through 13 games, Boutte has recorded 31 catches for 527 yards and has scored six touchdowns.

Boutte’s absence places more pressure on Maye and the Patriots’ passing game, as Boutte’s production had added depth behind Stefon Diggs, who leads the team in receiving yards.

With Boutte sidelined, the Patriots will lean more on Diggs and tight end Hunter Henry against a Jets defense that has struggled this season.

The Patriots-Jets game is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday and will be broadcast in select markets on Fox. New England will aim to protect its division lead and build momentum heading into the postseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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