Mac Evaluates Patriots' WRs: Jalen Reagor over Kayshon Boutte?

Jalen Reagor's career path has been anything but straightforward. But he's drawing positive praise from quarterback Mac Jones just a few weeks into his time with the New England Patriots.

The New England Patriots raised eyebrows with their decision to make rookie sixth-round receiver Kayshon Boutte a healthy scratch in last Sunday's 24-17 home loss to the Miami Dolphins. But it wasn't just that Boutte was inactive, it's who he was scratched for: Fellow receiver Jalen Reagor, who was elevated from the practice squad.

Reagor, a former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, signed with the Patriots before the season after he was cut by the Minnesota Vikings at the conclusion of training camp. During his first game as an active roster player in New England, Reagor failed to record any statistics.

He has, however, impressed quarterback Mac Jones behind the scenes.

"He looks good," Jones said. "He's fast, obviously picking up the playbook pretty good. He looks pretty good."

The Patriots reverted Reagor back to the practice squad following Sunday's game; he's eligible to be activated once more this week, with the final decision set to be made by Saturday.

Reagor was selected No. 21 overall by the Eagles in 2020, an oft-criticized move as he went just one pick before now-star Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson.

The 24-year-old Reagor, known for his speed, caught 64 passes for 695 yards and three touchdowns across 28 games and 24 starts with the Eagles before being traded to the Vikings just days ahead of the 2022 season.

During his lone year in Minnesota, Reagor caught eight passes for 104 yards and a touchdown while playing in all 17 games and holding punt return duties.

The Patriots have plenty of bodies at receiver, including DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, JuJu Smith-Schuster and rookie DeMario Douglas, among others ... but opportunities may ultimately come for Reagor if he's able to keep stacking positive days.

New England will return to action Sunday, when it travels to take on the New York Jets. Kickoff inside MetLife Stadium is set for 1 p.m. EST.

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