How Three Key Injuries Changes Patriots vs. Buccaneers

FOXBOROUGH, MA. — As the New England Patriots prepare to trade the southern New England chill for some Florida sun, they will be without the services of three key contributors to their 7-2 record.

The Pats, per head coach Mike Vrabel, have ruled running back Rhamondre Stevenson, linebacker Christian Ellis and receiver Kayshon Boutte out for their Week 10 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET on Nov. 9.

Boutte, who suffered a hamstring injury during the Pats’ 24-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, left the game in the closing moments of first half and did not return. Through nine games this season, the Pats’ sixth-round pick [187 overall] in the 2023 NFL Draft, has become one ofquarterback Drake Maye’s most-reliable offensive weapons — as well as a weekly big-play threat. He entered Week 9 having caught 23 passes for 431 yards and five touchdowns. Before leaving New England’s Week 9 game, he had zero catches on only one target. 

With Boutte officially sidelined for New England’s upcoming Week 10 matchup, rookie Kyle Williams is expected to take on the majority of the LSU product’s vacated snaps. Williams aligned in Boutte’s stead for the remainder of their Week 9 victory, logging a season-high 31 snaps. The Patriots’ rookie was held without a catch on one target, which he seemingly missed due to a miscommunication with quarterback Drake Maye.

Fellow receivers Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Efton Chism III are currently on the active roster, as well, with Jeremiah Webb, John Jiles and newly-signed Brenden Rice available via the practice squad. 

With or without Boutte, Tampa's secondary will pose a notable challenge for New England’s passing game. Bucs cornerback Jamel Dean leads the club with three interceptions, while Antoine Winfield Jr can be a majorly disruptive force on the back end of Tampa’s secondary. The Buccaneers’ defense ranks seventh in DVOA, third in EPA and third in pressure rate. In short, this is a tough week to be without the services of a top playmaker. Coach Todd Bowles' aggressive scheme will serve its share difficulties to Maye and company in Week 10. As such, look for rookies Williams and Chism to get looks along the boundary and in the slot respectively.

Patriots Will Need ‘Next Men Up’ at RB, LB