The love for Houston Texans wide receiver Kayshon Boutte continues as Week 9 comes to a close.
Boutte, Houston's star addition added ahead of the offseason, graded out as Pro Football Focus' highest-ranked wide receiver for his efforts in Week 9's 44-22 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The former Patriots starter graded out with a 93.9, the third-highest grade by any receiver this season.
"I've really been working with the offense trying to get them to get Boutte a pass where he can stay up and run it in for a touchdown—he did that today," Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Sunday. "A lot of the catches he's made in the previous weeks were tough catches on the sideline, but this time he was actually able to run one for a touchdown."
Traded
for as a potential replacement for the injured Jayden Higgins, Boutte was essentially a non-factor for Houston’s offense before the bye week. But on Sunday, he emerged as the Texans’ leading receiver with four receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
The first touchdown came just before halftime on a 12-yard strike from C.J. Stroud. Just before that, the duo connected for a gain of 32, which was tacked on by a 10-yard penalty.
On the second scoring drive, Boutte took off after hauling in a catch at midfield, going untouched 63 yards while balancing along the sidelines for the score. After the penalty was declined, Boutte had hit the triple-digit marker for the first time in his Texans career.
“He’s a great football player and I try to tell him, ‘I know I miss you sometimes, but just trust me I have your back. I want the best for you and see you succeed in life and in football.’ So, just to see him ball today was great," Strosd said. "He’s a great football player and I’m really glad he’s on our team.”
It was just his third career game with at least 100 yards. His 63-yard touchdown was tied with Tank Dell’s touchdown earlier in the game for Houston’s longest touchdown of the season.
The Texans hit the road next week for a date with the Cleveland Browns. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon on FOX.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans WR Kayshon Boutte named PFF's top-graded playmaker in Week 9
