New England Patriots fans are holding their breath regarding wideout Kayshon Boutte. After sustaining a game-ending injury last weekend, the receiver’s status for Week 10 is unclear. However, an update was reported on Monday, outlining a possible timeline for the third-year wide receiver.
How Bad Is Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte’s Injury?
Boutte left the Patriots’ Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons with a hamstring strain. Before the setback, he hadn’t recorded a catch with Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Hunter Henry, and DeMario Douglas handling the receiving workload.
He never returned to the game, and, on Monday, head coach Mike Vrabel said the receiver is unlikely to practice when the team starts its Week 10 prep on Wednesday.
With Boutte tagged as questionable, Carlos Lopez delivered optimistic news on X on Monday. He posted a Discord screenshot in which the Patriots’ wide receiver gave fans an update on his hamstring.
“#Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte announced on his Discord server that an MRI revealed he has a grade 1 hamstring strain,” Lopez captioned the tweet. “Boutte adds that there is a chance he could play Sunday against Tampa Bay.”
Boutte was hopeful in his update, writing: “@everyone just got the MRI results back, it’s only a grade 1 sprain so that’s good 🙏 shouldnt be out too long but we working to get back. it’s a possibility i play sunday in Tampa depending on how i’m feeling but if not then hopefully i’m good for the jets on TNF. i’ll keep yall updated. just know i’m working to get it stronger and come back better.”
The third-year star has turned into quite the reliable target for quarterback Drake Maye. He started his campaign with a 103-yard performance against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. While he followed up the outing with four quiet games where the Patriots established themselves as playoff contenders, he’s been holding his number high since Week 6.
He’s booked over 50 yards and at least one touchdown in all three of their games leading up to his injury versus the Falcons. His streak also included a 93-yard, two-touchdown showing against the New Orleans Saints.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10 mark one of the most challenging games remaining on New England’s schedule. Todd Bowles and his men are leading the NFC South at 6-2, and quarterback Baker Mayfield is a contender for the MVP award.
It’ll be interesting to see how Vrabel gameplans for Bowles’s defense without Boutte.