Not practicing Wednesday

Boutte (concussion) wasn't spotted at Wednesday's practice, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Tuesday that Boutte is in the NFL's concussion protocol, with the wideout's absence Wednesday now giving him two more chances to make a practice appearance before the Patriots' Week 17 injury designations are revealed. If Boutte isn't cleared for Sunday's game against the Jets, fellow WR Kyle Williams would be in line for added snaps.

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More New England Patriots Fantasy Football News

Romeo Doubs

Romeo Doubs

WR NE

Set to combine with A.J. Brown

As the coming season approaches, Doubs is the Patriots' projected top inside receiver in a re-tooled WR corps now led by A.J. Brown, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

Drake Maye

Drake Maye

QB NE

Building chemistry with new top WR

Maye noted Thursday that things have been going well with him and A.J. Brown since the wideout's arriving in a June trade, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports. "It has been awesome," Maye said on that topic. "I'm really looking forward to playing with him. I'm looking forward to getting to camp and building some chemistry. And I know there's already some there for me. You just gotta throw it near him, and he'll make a play."

Hunter Henry

Hunter Henry

TE NE

Remains top tight end

While Henry returns as the Patriots' top tight end, slotting behind him on the team's depth chart has yet to be solidified following Julian Hill's season-ending knee injury, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

A.J. Brown

A.J. Brown

WR NE

May help create favorable matchups

Patriots' safety Kevin Byard suggests that the presence of a top-tier No. 1 wide receiver like his teammate Brown shifts the philosophy of how opponents want to play defense, a context that should benefit QB Drake Maye, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

To attend mandatory minicamp

Boutte said Sunday that he plans to attend New England's mandatory minicamp from June 15-17 after having skipped spring voluntary workouts, Dan Roche of WBZ reports.

Added competition for WR targets

With the Patriots having added Romeo Doubs in free agency and traded for A.J. Brown, Evan Lazar of the team's official site suggests that Boutte is in line to compete for snaps in three-receiver sets.

Added competition for targets

Douglas is in the mix to compete for snaps in three-receiver sets behind newcomers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.