Drake Maye has shown promising signs in his rookie season with the New England Patriots, despite working with a shaky offensive line and limited offensive weapons.
The No. 3 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft has put up solid numbers, completing 66.8% of his passes for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
He’s also demonstrated his mobility, rushing for 424 yards and adding two scores on the ground in 12 games.
Questions about Maye’s health surfaced Wednesday afternoon when NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the rookie quarterback appeared on the Patriots’ injury report as a limited participant in practice due to a right hand issue.
#Patriots QB Drake Maye, who suffered a finger injury during Sunday’s game, was listed as limited for practice with a right-hand injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2025
The concern seemed minimal, though, as Maye was spotted throwing without apparent difficulty during the media portion of practice.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo addressed Maye’s status for Sunday’s season finale against the Buffalo Bills, indicating the rookie would start if healthy.
Jerod Mayo says Drake Maye is a competitor, “he wants to play,” and that he’s still developing as a rookie:
“He’ll be ready to go…Drake is our starting quarterback. If he’s healthy and ready to go as we go through this week of practice, then he’ll play.”@WEEI #NEPats pic.twitter.com/64JDxA9GRW
— TommyFreezePops (@yaboiTCfresh) January 1, 2025
While Maye did suffer a finger injury during Week 16’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, it was actually a head injury that briefly sidelined him.
He returned in the second quarter to finish 12 for 22 with 117 yards and a touchdown.
With the Bills planning to rest their starters after securing the AFC’s No. 2 seed, the Patriots might consider doing the same.
There’s a compelling reason to sit Maye this weekend, particularly since a loss could secure New England the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Protecting their young quarterback and other key players from unnecessary risk in a relatively meaningless game could be the prudent move for the Patriots’ future.
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