On Wednesday morning, head coach Jerod Mayo reiterated that Drake Maye is the New England Patriots’ beginning quarterback and would play in Sunday’s season finale towards the Buffalo Payments “if he is wholesome and able to go.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Maye’s well being was put into query.
The rookie quarterback popped up on the Patriots’ injury report as a restricted participant due in Wednesday’s observe on account of a proper hand harm. Maye was on the sector in the course of the portion of observe open to the media and appeared to be throwing without issue.
Maye did suffer a finger injury throughout New England’s Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, however it was overshadowed by the head injury that forced him to leave the game within the first quarter. The 22-year-old returned within the second quarter and performed till late within the fourth quarter, ending 12 for 22 with 117 passing yards and a landing.
There is a case for Maye not enjoying this Sunday towards the Payments, as a loss would guarantee the Patriots the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Buffalo plans to rest many of its starters after clinching the No. 2 seed within the AFC, so you can argue New England ought to do the identical to keep away from exposing Maye or any of its key starters to harm.
Mayo insisted Wednesday morning that the Patriots might be enjoying to win and that gamers who’re wholesome will play. However Maye’s obvious harm — no matter its severity — might give New England an excuse to take a seat its prized rookie and maybe let fellow first-year QB Joe Milton III play his first NFL snaps.
For what it is price, Maye did not point out he was coping with any form of ailment when talking to reporters Wednesday morning.
“I am making ready like I am the starter,” Maye mentioned. “I am trying ahead to being on the market. I am able to go on the market and win and compete.”
Whether or not Maye stays on the harm report might be price monitoring all through the remainder of the week within the leadup to kickoff at Gillette Stadium at 1 p.m. ET.
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