The New England Patriots kicked off Week 11 with a 27-14 divisional victory over the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, boosting their record to 9-2.
Even without third-year wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, the Patriots have managed to keep their offense firing. As the team looks ahead to Week 12, his injury status remains a key storyline.
Will Kayshon Boutte’s Return Spark the Patriots’ Offense?
Boutte has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the team’s Week 9 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite missing last week’s game, he participated in practice on a limited basis leading up to Thursday’s contest before being ruled out, according to the team’s Week 11 injury report.
However, the outlook for the new week appears positive. Head coach Mike Vrabel announced at the beginning of the week that he expects Boutte to practice on Wednesday. Given that he practiced last week, it seems possible that Boutte could have played, had it not been for the short turnaround of a Thursday night game. His potential return offers another valuable weapon for sophomore quarterback Drake Maye.
This season, Boutte has recorded 23 catches for 341 yards and five touchdowns. According to PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact metrics, he ranks as the seventh-best wide receiver this season with an impact grade of 85.9 and a B letter grade.
Who Has Stepped Up in Boutte’s Absence?
If the Patriots decide to take a cautious approach and keep Boutte sidelined, the team has several other receivers ready to step in.
Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs, who is in his first year with New England after a stint with the Houston Texans last season, has been a reliable target. Before joining the Houston Texans, he began his career with the Minnesota Vikings and later played for the Buffalo Bills.
This season, Diggs has 59 receptions for 659 yards and three touchdowns, putting him on pace for his most productive season since his time in Buffalo.
Mack Hollins
Mack Hollins is also in his first year with the Patriots. His career has seen him play for five other teams, starting with the Philadelphia Eagles, followed by the Miami Dolphins, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Buffalo Bills. Hollins has contributed 30 catches for 387 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Demario Douglas
A third-year receiver, Demario Douglas, was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
In 11 games this season, he has secured 23 passes for 332 yards and three touchdowns, providing a consistent presence in the passing game.
Kyle Williams
Rookie Kyle Williams, selected with the 69th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has also seen playing time. While he only has three catches for 92 yards and one touchdown in 11 games, he has been on the field for 201 snaps, suggesting he is part of the offensive game plan even if he is not frequently targeted.
