Something that could give the Houston Texans an advantage in Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills is the arrival of Kayshon Boutte.
Initially traded for a seventh-round pick and Jaylen Reed, Boutte is the hopeful new No. 2 option opposite Pro Bowler Nico Collins. He's expected to take over the role once held by Jayden Higgins, a second-year standout now out for the year with a torn ACL.
But Boutte has only been at practice for two weeks. He has a new number, but also a new look on the offensive personnel under second-year coordinator Nick Caley.
Still, C.J. Stroud said the two have built a rapport in a short time, something that will need to be on display when the Texans' offense takes the field in the first quarter Sunday morning.
"We've been working a lot. I've been a fan of his since he was in college," Stroud said of Boutte. "He's had a really good career so far in the NFL and I’m excited to have him and I think he just adds to our room. I've been able to work with him during practice and after as well, so just building that chemistry."
CJ Stroud in Kayshon Boutte:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) September 9, 2026
“I’ve been a fan of his since he’s been in college. He’s had a really good career so far in the NFL. Excited to have him, just adds to our room. Been able to work with him during practice & after as well so just building that chemistry.” pic.twitter.com/ptWqhCgfWF
Boutte, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract, has proven his value as a No. 2 receiver. Last season, opposite former Texans star Stefon Diggs, the 6-foot-2 weapon caught 33 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns while helping the Patriots return to the Super Bowl for the first time since the Tom Brady era.
And Buffalo has had its fair share of struggles shutting down the new No. 14 in Houston. For his career, Boutte has totaled 16 catches for 286 yards and two touchdowns when lined up against the AFC East franchise, including putting up 117 yards in 2024.
"He's a smart guy," Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday. "He's picked up on what we've asked him to do. There was some carryover in the things that he's learning, so the speed of transition is definitely there. He's done a great job of being attentive to what we're asking him to do and we're throwing him out there, so let's see."
The Texans kick off on Sunday at Noon. The game will be televised on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: C.J. Stroud breaks down relationship with new Texans WR Kayshon Boutte
