For the Patriots, who have held up well this season, health-wise, but are thin at just about every position on the roster, playing a very difficult Tampa Bay team without Rhamondre Stevenson, who is battling a toe injury, would project to be a tough challenge. Having to play without receiver Kayshon Boutte, too, would figure to be difficult, too.
Playing without both, though, would leave second-year quarterback Drake Maye facing one of the league’s most efficient and blitz-happy defenses without a go-to receiver and without his best pass-blocking running back.
But that, according to coach Mike Vrabel, is where New England is as it packs up and heads south for one of the marquee games of the Sunday slate, against the Buccaneers in Tampa. “Statuses are, Rhamondre will be out, Kayshon will be out and (linebacker Christian) Ellis will be out,” Vrabel announced.
Patriots Will Look to Kyle Williams
The severity of Stevenson’s toe injury is still a subject of mystery for the Patriots, who play aches and pains close to the vest. We know that Boutte’s hamstring injury is not that bad because he released details of it–he called it a Grade 1 strain on social media–and that he should not miss much time.
There were even suggestions that Boutte could be on the field this week.
But without Boutte, the emphasis will now fall to the other receivers on the roster, as well as an elevation in opportunities for rookie Kyle Williams, who did not make an immediate impact filling in for Boutte after he left last week’s game against the Falcons.
Williams was targeted once but did not make a catch. He has two catches for 20 yards this season.
Kyle Williams: ‘You Have to Be Consistent’
But Williams, a third-rounder in last year’s draft, says he is ready for the new role the Patriots will be asking to play. He pointed out that, as a backup receiver, he has had to learn all three of the team’s receiver positions, but he probably fits best as a Boutte replacement.
“You have to be consistent at the little things. I feel like that’s what got us this far,” Williams said. “For me, possibly stepping up into a huge role, that’s my big emphasis about the little details that can separate me in certain routes, certain depths, and spaces. “
He has impressed offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
“Kyle’s doing a lot of really good things. He’s a young player who’s come in, and some of the guys who’ve been in front of him have done a really nice job,” McDaniels said this week. “I think that’s part of the role of a young player who’s trying to make progress. You wait your turn, you get your opportunities, and then hopefully you make some plays and you continue to earn more.”
GettyJosh McDaniels of the New England Patriots
Patriots Need More From TreVeyon Henderson
Fellow rookie TreVeyon Henderson will also get another crack at more playing time in Week 10 as he again fills in for Stevenson. He had 14 rushes for 55 yards last week as well as another four catches for 32 yards. But the big problem for the Patriots with Henderson is his pass protection, which was an issue against an aggressive Falcons front in Week 9.
And it figures to be the same in Week 10 against Tampa Bay.
On the flip side, the Patriots will go against a Buccaneers team that is also missing a top receiver–Patriots free-agent target Chris Godwin–as well as top running back Bucky Irving.
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