Kayshon

Boutte

Boutte showcased the preseason work he put in with quarterback Drake Maye with his three-yard touchdown in the first quarter, a beautifully placed fade against man coverage to the back corner of the end zone. He would not see his number called frequently from there on out considering the low total pass volume from the Patriots, highlighting his status as a true touchdown-or-bust fantasy option while the other skill position players remain healthy. His next chance to return usable counting stats comes in Week 15 against the Bills following the team’s Week 14 bye.

Boutte was also targeted deep down the field on a potential big touchdown pass that resulted in a defensive pass interference penalty. The 23-year-old had missed the two previous games with a hamstring injury and could be a bigger part of the offense next week against the Ravens. However, he would be hard to trust outside of the deepest fantasy formats.

Boutte has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 9 against the Falcons, but the Patriots’ WR2 will be ready to go this week. Boutte gets a juicy Week 12 matchup against a Bengals defense that has struggled all season to slow down opposing passing attacks, which could bode well for Boutte in his return. Boutte has caught four or more passes in just two games this season, and profiles as a boom-or-bust WR4.

Boutte has missed the past two games with the hamstring issue. A full practice today puts him on track to be a full-go for Sunday’s game. Boutte has thrived as Drake Maye’s deep threat this year. He leads the Pats with five receiving touchdowns despite the missed time. Barring a setback, Boutte will be a boom/bust WR4 for Week 12.

Jennings will give it a go as the Patriots’ short-yardage back, though he is tough to trust as more than a touchdown-dependent FLEX. The Patriots declared DT Joshua Farmer, G Caedan Wallace, QB Tommy DeVito, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, LB Christian Elliss, TE Austin Hooper and WR Kayshon Boutte inactive for Week 11 against the Jets. Stevenson will miss his third straight game with a toe injury, while Boutte will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury. Last week, rookie WR Kyle Williams scored a 72-yard touchdown by catching one of his two targets. He should be rostered where available, but he makes for a zero-floor, boom-bust FLEX starter this week.

Boutte returned to practice this week for a few limited sessions, but the turnaround to Thursday Night Football was too quick for him to get back on the field. He will eye a Week 12 return. Mack Hollins will take his place in the lineup versus the Jets. Hollins caught six passes for 106 yards in Week 10. He will be a boom/bust WR4 as Drake Maye’s primary deep threat versus a dreadful New York defense. Austin Hooper was also ruled out, freeing up a few more routes for Hollins and fellow wideout Kyle Williams.

Back-to-back limited sessions for Boutte are real progress after last week’s three straight DNPs. It remains to be seen if he’s healthy enough to go in this game, but the Jets are a sneaky pass funnel defense and Boutte would be a viable FLEX play if he suits up.

Boutte was unable to get on the practice field this week, so this news doesn’t come as a surprise. The third-year receiver will miss his first game of the season on Sunday when the Patriots visit the Buccaneers, making Mack Hollins the most likely candidate to see an increased workload as Drake Maye’s deep target. Vrabel called Boutte “day-to-day” to start the week, so there’s a chance he’ll be ready to go for Week 11 against the Jets, although, the short week could make that difficult.

It’s looking increasingly likely that the veteran outside receiver will sit out this week. Rookie Kyle Williams saw increased run behind Boutte last week after Boutte’s injury and figures to be the main replacement, but there’s no rush to pick him up in fantasy leagues since he hasn’t contributed much to the offense thus far.

Boutte suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s game against the Falcons. Head coach Mike Vrabel called him day to day earlier this week. A DNP to open the week is not a great sign, but New England’s next two practice reports will be more revealing. Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams will both be in line for more routes in Week 10 if Boutte is unable to suit up.