Patriots Gameday: Kayshon Boutte has his biggest opportunity to step up and shine

Even before Kendrick Bourne went down with a season-ending injury, the New England Patriots needed one of their young receivers to step up.  Now that they are without their top receiver, all eyes are on Demario Douglas, Tyquan Thornton and Kayshon Boutte to step up and fill that void.

It would be nice if it is all three, but Boutte finally getting an opportunity is the silver lining of the Bourne injury. After being a healthy scratch week after week, the 2023 sixth-round pick out of LSU may finally get his opportunity to show what he can do on the field and sounds like he is ready.

“It’s been a big week,” Boutte told the media on Thursday.  “Injuries happen in and out throughout the NFL.  That’s part of the game.  It’s unfortunate, but it’s part of the game.  So they kind of preached to us about us having to step up.

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

Although Douglas has stepped up as a target for Mac Jones, the only two veteran receivers are DeVante Parker, who is questionable for Sunday’s game, and former first-round pick Jalen Reagor who has yet to pop in the NFL.  That really does leave an opportunity for Boutte and/or Thornton to have a big second half of the season.

Bill Belichick praises Kayshon Boutte and his week of practice

As far as Boutte being active for Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders, there is a high probability given Belichick’s comments on the rookie receiver this week.

When asked if Boutee is taking advantage of the opportunities this season, the Patriots coach highlighted his week of practice.

“I think this has probably been his best week, yeah,” Belichick said.

Patriots fans would love to see Boutee finally active for a game and this could be the week.  Given the absence of Bourne and Parker, it would be in Belichick’s best interest to have all his remaining receivers active for this game. 

Kayshon Boutte could see a breakout week, it’s game day!