The New England Patriots are one game away from making yet another Super Bowl appearance. Most fans didn't expect that to be the case entering the 2025 campaign, but the energy under Mike Vrabel is infectious. Everyone is ready to step up and contribute.
Receiver Kayshon Boutte has been one of the most productive players for this roster, and the team will lean on him against the Broncos after the latest update. ESPN's Mike Reiss reported on Wednesday that WR Mack Hollins (abdomen) won't practice, which puts his status for the AFC Championship Game in doubt.
With it looking like Hollins will be sidelined, there will be more put on Boutte's plate.
Kayshon Boutte in Line for Big Role with Patriots vs. Broncos
Boutte led the team in total snaps in the divisional round win over the Texans with 54 snaps. He has earned the trust of the coaching staff and his quarterback, Drake Maye. In the postseason, Boutte leads the team in receiving yards (141) with a touchdown and zero drops. He owns a 155.8 passer rating when targeted, showing he is a trustworthy target for Maye.
The LSU product typically lines up as the Pats X receiver, and with Hollins likely to be sidelined, it will lead to more snaps there for Boutte. On the season, Boutte leads New England with 391 total snaps at X. Meanwhile, Hollins was second on the team with 252 snaps at X.
New England occasionally throws Diggs in that spot to change things up, but they move him all around the formation. That means Boutte will be the primary option at that spot for New England, and Hollins' likely absence only increases that possibility.
All throughout the season, Boutte has provided this offense with a downfield threat. He finished the regular season with 33 catches for 551 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and averaged 16.7 yards per reception. In the win over Houston, Boutte reeled in a one-handed grab over All-Pro CB Derek Stingley Jr. for a 32-yard touchdown that all but punched the Patriots' ticket to Denver.
Maye has made it known that he'll give Boutte chances to make plays in one-on-one coverage. He answered the call on multiple occasions, and New England will continue to look his way again on Sunday. That'll be a tougher task, as the Broncos ranked seventh in the league in pass defense (187.2) during the regular season.
This secondary is led by Patrick Surtain, whose one of the best players at his position in the NFL. He may line up against Boutte a couple of times in this game, but New England will need the former LSU product to put his best foot forward, as they'll need him even more with Hollins slated to miss this game.