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LSU Tigers' Kayshon Boutte to miss game against New Mexico Lobos after birth of child

LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte will miss Saturday's game against New Mexico after the birth of his child.

Boutte and his girlfriend welcomed a baby boy on Thursday.

Tigers coach Brian Kelly said after practice Thursday that Boutte will not play Saturday and that the team supports him.

ESPN rates Boutte as the top wide receiver and No. 6 overall prospect for the 2023 NFL draft.

A junior from New Iberia, Louisiana, Boutte has had a slow start to the season, recording 10 receptions for 93 yards and no touchdowns in three games. He had 38 receptions for 509 yards and nine touchdowns in six games last season before an ankle injury cost him the final six contests. After LSU's coaching change to Kelly, Boutte was the subject of transfer rumors but confirmed his return in December.

He didn't participate in spring practice while rehabbing his ankle. Boutte had only two receptions for 20 yards in LSU's season-opening loss to Florida State on Sept. 4, prompting a conversation with Kelly.

"His standard is so high," Kelly said Sept. 6. "It wasn't his best game. But he's going to have great games. He's the least guy I'm concerned about on our offense."

As a true freshman in 2020, Boutte recorded 735 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 45 receptions. ESPN rated him as the top in-state recruit and No. 33 overall player in the class.