What happened: Patriots wide receivers coach Todd Downing said Kayshon Boutte's approach to training camp is "an example I will use for the rest of my coaching career," responding to a question relayed by reporter Mike Reiss. The praise comes as Boutte works through camp practices with New England.

Why it matters: The comment marks a notable shift in tone around the same Kayshon Boutte who was open to a trade after the Patriots' A.J. Brown acquisition earlier this offseason. A position coach publicly citing a player's work ethic in career-long terms signals Boutte has bought into his current role rather than pushing for a way out.

What to watch: Boutte's practice performances and target share in the Patriots' remaining preseason games will show whether the praise translates into a bigger role once the regular season begins.