Bill Belichick Reveals Reason For New England Patriots' Rookie Kayshon Boutte Benching

After a productive preseason and a promising opener, New England Patriots rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte has disappeared.

New England Patriots rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte appeared poised for a big role in the offense after Week 1, when he played 69 percent of snaps and saw four targets come his way.

But in the six games since, Boutte's been a healthy scratch. New England carries seven receivers on its roster, and Jalen Reagor received the nod over Boutte in last Sunday's 29-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills, seemingly putting the sixth-round pick at the bottom of the pecking order.

So, what changed in the aftermath of the season opener? Why hasn't Boutte seen the field since?

Patriots coach Bill Belichick shared the answer Friday.

"It's been a very competitive situation," Belichick said. "We have a lot of competition at that position. So, everybody's in it. Obviously, the guys that perform the best play the most. The ones that don't need to perform better."

Belichick added that all seven of New England's receivers are competing, making it a situation he's watching unfold each week.

Reagor has impressed Belichick with his work on the scout team offense, drawing praise for his performance in practice and earning more playing time as a result.

For Boutte to get back in the rotation, Belichick stressed the importance of outperforming those around him when given the opportunity during the lead up to Sundays.

"Practice every week," Belichick said. "They're all out there."

Beyond Boutte and Reagor, the Patriots have receivers Kendrick Bourne, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Demario Douglas, DeVante Parker and Tyquan Thornton currently on their 53-man roster.

Competition is high, but Belichick feels Boutte's been given a fair chance to prove he's worthy of playing time - and evidently hasn't done enough.

Boutte's next opportunity to hit the field comes Sunday, when the Patriots travel to Miami for a road matchup with the Dolphins. Kickoff inside Hard Rock Stadium is set for 1 p.m. EST.