The Patriots received more bad news on the injury front Thursday, as wideout Kayshon Boutte was once again a non-participant in practice due to a hamstring injury.

Boutte — who exited Sunday’s win over the Falcons — has emerged as Drake Maye’s most-trusted target on deep balls this season. The 23-year-old wideout has reeled in 23 catches and five touchdowns already this fall, averaging 18.7 yards per catch so far.

Maye and New England’s offense still managed to land punches against Atlanta’s top-ranked pass defense in Week 9, with DeMario Douglas breaking through with his first 100-yard game of his NFL career.

But New England’s offense will be missing a key facet of their offense in a critical game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday if Maye can’t air throws deep down the field t

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