Patriots Kayshon Boutte: Ready For Challenge vs. Commanders?

New England Patriots rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte has not taken a regular-season snap since the team’s Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Pats corps of receivers riddled with injury and inconsistency, the former LSU Tiger appears ready to end his on-field hiatus in New England’s Week 9 matchup with the Washington Commanders on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. 

“It’s been seven weeks, and now my name’s being called,” Boutte told reporters after Thursday’s practice. “You’ve just got to step up.”

The last time Boutte saw in-game action this season, New England nearly had a potentially game-changing fourth-down conversion on his 12-yard sideline catch against the Eagles. However, a slight nudge from Philadelphia defensive back Josh Jobe kept him from keeping both feet in bounds on the athletic grab. The Pats would eventually forfeit their possession on downs, falling to the Eagles 25-20. 

Since then, Boutte has been on the football equivalent of “Belichickian Double-Secret Probation.” 

Notwithstanding his demotion, injuries to both Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker and Tyquan Thornton seem to have made Boutte’s return to the gridiron this weekend all but assured. Though his lack of playing time has been a source of frustration for him, the 21-year-old was determined to make his case for a spot on the field.

“Being out since the first week, coming in, there’s huge expectations,” Boutte said. “I’m just approaching this week harder than ever.”

To his credit, Boutte’s efforts earned the praise of head coach Bill Belichick. 

“I think this has probably been his best week, yeah, “ Belichick told reporters on Friday. “His best week in practice.”

Although Boutte’s pedigree has long been established, he has yet to realize his full potential. His time in Baton Rouge was marked by both success and setback. As a true freshman for the LSU Tigers in 2020, the New Iberia native developed into one of the most promising receivers in the nation, compiling 735 yards on 45 catches with five touchdowns in 10 games. Through five games in his sophomore season, he had already eclipsed his previous year's touchdown total, while being well on his way to shattering his collegiate career-highs in receptions and receiving yards.

Unfortunately, Boutte suffered a season-ending broken ankle in 2021 while attempting to complete an acrobatic catch out of bounds in the Tigers’ Oct. 9 matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats. The injury caused him to miss the remaining seven games of the season; ending what had started as a promising campaign with 38 receptions for 509 yards and nine touchdowns. Though he returned to the field for LSU for his junior season, he was never able to recapture his previous prowess, causing both his performance and Draft stock to plummet. 

Despite a disappointing showing at LSU in 2022, coupled with a dismal performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Boutte found his way to New England as one of the Patriots sixth-round Draft selections (No. 187) in the 2023 NFL Draft. Though his road to the NFL may have been atypical, Boutte is determined not only to put his injury woes behind him, but also make the most of his opportunity.

Though he admittedly got off to a slow training camp start, Boutte’s dynamic skill set was on full display during the Patriots preseason slate, including a 42-yard touchdown reception against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.