The state of Louisiana dropped misdemeanor underage gambling and felony computer fraud charges against Boutte, the receiver's attorney announced Tuesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports. The 22-year-old was arrested in January in Baton Rouge, La. after he was alleged to have taken part in illegal sports betting while under the legal age of 21 during his time in college at LSU. Even while his legal situation was unresolved, Boutte was a full participant in spring practices for the Patriots, and he's unlikely to be subject to discipline from the NFL now that the charges have been dropped. A 2023 sixth-round draft pick, Boutte suited up for just five games as a rookie and will be fighting for a roster spot in a New England wide receiver group that lacks a true No. 1 option but has plenty of depth.
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The state of Louisiana dropped misdemeanor underage gambling and felony computer fraud charges against Boutte, the receiver's attorney announced Tuesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports. The 22-year-old was arrested in January in Baton Rouge, La. after he was alleged to have taken part in illegal sports betting while under the legal age of 21 during his time in college at LSU. Even while his legal situation was unresolved, Boutte was a full participant in spring practices for the Patriots, and he's unlikely to be subject to discipline from the NFL now that the charges have been dropped. A 2023 sixth-round draft pick, Boutte suited up for just five games as a rookie and will be fighting for a roster spot in a New England wide receiver group that lacks a true No. 1 option but has plenty of depth.
Boutte turned in a strong effort during Wednesday's mandatory minicamp session, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports. On the last day of minicamp practice prior to the Patriots' summer break, Boutte logged a team-high five catches during team drills, which Lazar notes included a sequence in which the 2023 sixth-rounder reeled in three consecutive scores. As the coming season approaches, Boutte will have to compete with the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster, K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor for slotting in a wideout corps that also includes Kendrick Bourne, who's bouncing back from a knee injury, as well as likely roster locks in the youthful trio of DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. Additionally, it's possible that Boutte could face NFL discipline stemming from his January arrest and subsequent charges of computer fraud and gaming prohibited for persons under 21.
Boutte was a limited participant Wednesday in the Patriots' first Week 13 practice while sporting a non-contact jersey, but he took a step back in terms of activity a day later. At this stage, the rookie out of LSU's availability for this Sunday's game against the Chargers is looking uncertain. Boutte was active for just the third time this season in this past Sunday's 10-7 loss to the Giants, logging 11 snaps on offense while finishing with one catch for eight yards on two targets.
Additionally, DeVante Parker was forced out of the Week 8 loss to Miami, potentially leaving the Patriots without two of their usual starting receivers this Sunday against the Commanders. Though Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Jalen Reagor are projected to serve as the Patriots' top three wideouts if Parker is out this weekend, Boutte and Tyquan Thornton could return to the mix this weekend after both were healthy inactives Week 8. Boutte last saw game action Week 1, when he logged 55 snaps and four targets (with no catches) in New England's 25-20 loss to the Eagles.