Despite playing with third-string quarterback Joe Milton III, this was easily the best game of the season for Boutte, who will end the season with 589 receiving yards on 43 catches (68 targets) with three touchdowns. Despite playing just 15 games due to an early injury, Boutte played more snaps than any other Patriots receiver considering he was on the field for over 90 percent of the team’s snaps in almost every game he was active. Part of his inefficiency was because he was used primarily as a deep threat on a team with one of the worst offensive lines in football which didn’t give Drake Maye much chance to work downfield. However, Boutte did lead the team in average yards per completion and in receiving plays over 20 yards with 11. The 22-year-old figures to come into next season as a key contributor in the Patriots’ passing game, but how big his role is will depend on what additions the team makes in the offseason.

Boutte missed Wednesday’s practice but was back for a full session on Thursday. He is good to go for Week 18. Boutte has run plenty of routes over the past month but has rarely converted that into a notable receiver line. Sunday’s game will give him a final shot at doing so before a pivotal offseason for the franchise.

Boutte’s game days are typically spent running cardio and his job will not be any easier with an illness. Even if Boutte suits up for Week 18, he is entirely unreliable and not a recommended start.

Boutte was tied for most targets on the team after a fruitful Week 16 saw him get 95 yards and a touchdown. The Pats’ offensive struggles led to a low output for him, but Boutte has become a larger part of the receiving group as the season has gone on. He is a volatile WR5 heading into Week 18 against the Bills.