After averaging 9.2 air yards per target through the first five weeks, Kayshon Boutte has averaged 16.5 air yards per target since Drake Maye took over as the starting quarterback in Week 6 (3rd-most in the NFL, min. 20 targets).

Four catches in Week 11

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.

Analysis: 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.

Career-high four catches Sunday

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

Analysis: 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.

Two catches Sunday

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 six targets for 18 yards, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Boutte once again led the Patriots' wideouts in snaps Sunday, but he wasn't able to parlay that into significant production. As long as the 2023 sixth-rounder sees steady playing time with Drake Maye at QB, Boutte will have a chance to make an impact. He'll still be a risky fantasy option in Week 10 against the Bears.

Three catches Sunday

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

Analysis: 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, but so far he's topped out at three catches and 59 yards in a single game.

Tops team's WRs in snaps

Boutte reeled in one of his two targets for a 33-yard reception while playing 50 of the Patriots' 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 32-16 loss to the Jaguars.

Analysis: Boutte, who was in the starting lineup once again Sunday, led the Patriots wideouts in playing time for the second consecutive game. With the 2023 sixth-round pick 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 quarterback Drake Maye.

Scores 40-yard TD

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

Analysis: 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.

Two catches versus Dolphins

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.

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

One catch in Week 4

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.

Analysis: Boutte, who caught his only target for 11 yards, remains behind Ja'Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn and DeMario Douglas in the Patriots' WR pecking order. The 2023 sixth-rounder would need an injury or two ahead of him on the depth chart to log steady playing time.

Active versus Jets

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

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

Healthy scratch Sunday

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

Analysis: 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.

No snaps in Week 1

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.

Analysis: 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.

Gambling charge dropped

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.

Analysis: 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 for just five games as a rookie and will be…read more

Finishes up minicamp strong

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

Analysis: 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-round pick 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 (knee) -- who is recovering from an ACL…read more

Limited role as rookie

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

Analysis: During his rookie season, Boutte logged just 117 snaps on offense, per Evan Lazar of the team's official site, 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…read more

Sheds injury designation

Boutte (illness) doesn't appear Wednesday on the Patriots' initial Week 18 injury report.

Analysis: Boutte sat out Sunday's loss to the Bills, but the rookie wide receiver appears to have recovered and should be good to go for the Patriots' season finale against the Jets this weekend. The LSU product hasn't found much success in his first NFL campaign, suiting up just four times while recording two catches for 19 yards on seven targets.

Won't play Sunday

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

Analysis: 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.

Inactive versus Chiefs

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

Analysis: 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.

Cleared to play

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

Analysis: Boutte missed the Patriots' 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 players listed as questionable figure to suit up.

Turns in limited practice

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

Analysis: Boutte was forced to miss the team's Week 14 win over the Steelers last Thursday, but his ability to take part in the Patriots' first Week 15 practice is a positive sign. The wide receiver will look to increase his activity Thursday and Friday before the Patriots decide whether he'll carry a designation into Sunday's game versus the Chiefs.

Won't play Thursday

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

Analysis: Boutte has been active for the Patriots' last two games and recorded two catches for 19 yards on three targets, but he's nursing the shoulder injury coming out of this past Sunday's 6-0 loss to the Chargers. Though he was listed as a limited participant on practice reports issued Tuesday and Wednesday, Boutte ultimately wasn't able to overcome the shoulder issue on a short week and will be in street clothes Thursday. Fellow wideout Demario Douglas (concussion) has also been ruled out for Week…read more

Increases activity level

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

Analysis: 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 activity level Wednesday. He should still be considered questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Steelers.

Still dealing with injury

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

Analysis: 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.

Ruled out for Sunday

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

Analysis: 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).

Not spotted at practice

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

Analysis: Boutte appears to be sidelined at 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.

Sits out Thursday's practice

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

Analysis: 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.

Limited at practice

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

Analysis: 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.

Catches one pass Sunday

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.

Analysis: 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.

Active for Sunday's game

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

Analysis: 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.

Inactive Sunday

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

Analysis: 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.

Could rejoin receiver mix

Boutte could have a chance to carve out a role in the Patriots offense in the coming weeks with Kendrick Bourne (knee) out for the season after tearing his ACL in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Additionally, DeVante Parker was forced out of the Week 8 loss to Miami, potentially leaving the Patriots without two of their usual starting receivers this Sunday against the Commanders. Though Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Jalen Reagor are projected to serve as the Patriots' top three wideouts if Parker is out this weekend, Boutte and Tyquan Thornton could return to the mix this weekend after both were healthy inactives Week 8. Boutte last saw game action Week 1, when he logged 55…read more

Back in action

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

Analysis: 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.

Out Week 7

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

Analysis: 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.

Questionable Sunday

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

Analysis: 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.

Tending to hamstring injury

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

Analysis: 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 in 2023, failing to haul in any of his four targets in that contest.

Inactive versus Jets

Boutte (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Analysis: 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.

Inactive versus Miami

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

Analysis: 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.

Good to go for Week 2

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

Analysis: Boutte was a limited participant in practices Wednesday and Thursday but upgraded to full participation Friday, clearing the way for him to suit up Week 2. Fellow wide receiver DeVante Parker (knee) is listed as questionable after three limited practices. While Parker was sidelined for the Patriots' Week 1 loss to the Eagles, Boutte served as the former's primary replacement in the lineup and played 55 of New England's 80 offensive snaps, but he was held without a catch on four targets. Boutte…read more

Still limited Thursday

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

Analysis: 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 a lesser role once Parker is cleared to return.

Limited participant Wednesday

Boutte was a limited participant in practice Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

Analysis: DeVante Parker (knee), who sat out the team's 25-20 Week 1 loss to the Eagles, was also limited Wednesday. In his NFL debut this past Sunday, Boutte took the field for 68 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps but 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) and…read more

Logs 55 snaps 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.

Analysis: 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-yard line 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…read more

Could benefit from Parker absence

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.

Analysis: 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 the more rave reviews of the two rookies during training camp and the preseason, the 6-foot,…read more

Looking good for Week 1 roster

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.

Analysis: 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.

Catches TD versus Packers

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

Analysis: 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…read more