Patriots WR Misses Second-Straight Practice

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — As the New England Patriots took the fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium for their second practice of Week 9, one player conspicuous by his absence was receiver Kayshon Boutte

For the second time in as many days, Boutte did not participate in on-field team activities. While his was not the only absence on the afternoon, it was arguably the most notable as the rest of the Pats prepare for this weekend’s showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the possibility of Boutte returning for the team’s final practice — and thus, suiting up against the Bucs — still exists, his status for this upcoming game is justifiably in question.

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 this game, he had zero catches on only one target. 

Should Boutte be sidelined for New England’s oncoming 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 with Jeremiah Webb, John Jiles and newly-signed Brenden Rice available via the practice squad.

Boutte was not the only Patriot absent for the second practice of Week 10. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson and linebacker Christian Ellis were also non-participants — also placing their availability for this weekend’s game in a precarious state.

Stevenson, Elliss Also Remain Out, Bradbury Returns