4 Patriots players sealed their fates in the final preseason game vs. the Titans

Kayshon Boutte

Unlike some other names on this list, Kayshon Boutte's lack of availability on Friday night seems to indicate his status for the 2023 season will be as a member of the Patriots roster.

Throughout the summer, Boutte's performance kept him on the radar even while fellow rookie Demario Douglas was getting all the praise. As the weeks went on, though, Boutte began to take over the spotlight and impressed everyone with how he played against the Packers last week.

In Green Bay, he caught two passes for 49 yards, one of which was a 42-yard reception for a touchdown. The moment went viral online and had many around the league proclaiming the Patriots got a steal in the draft by selecting Boutte in the sixth round.

However, he couldn't follow up that performance with another impressive showing on Friday night. But because he was only in the game for one drive, his status for the season seems to be set already.

At this point in the offseason, just days away from the final roster cutdown, his limited usage would mean the coaches want to lower the risk of injury by keeping him off the field more than keeping him out to play. Since that is generally the case for most players vying for a roster spot, Boutte looks to have impressed the coaches enough to be firmly off the roster bubble heading into the weekend.

It's a significant jump from where he started this summer when most had begun to write him off, especially as Douglas dominated practice every day. The rookie's showings over the last few months may force the Patriots to carry six receivers, a problem they are lucky to have after what was projected for them earlier this year.