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Patriots QB Drake Maye Dealing With An Injury Wednesday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 1, 2025 4:28 PM ET

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is banged up heading into the regular season finale.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye has been impressive in his debut season, despite less-than-ideal surrounding conditions. The Patriots' offensive line is awful and their skill players are subpar, yet Maye has connected on 66.8% of his passes for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 12 games while adding 424 rushing yards and two touchdowns. That's not to mention the various highlight-reel worthy throws the former University of North Carolina star has put on tape.

On Wednesday, Maye was limited in practice with a hand injury, adding a layer of intrigue to his availability for this Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

The Patriots (3-14) currently hold the No. 1 pick in the draft, and can clinch that coveted spot with a loss. Therefore, many have suggested the team sit Maye and other key players to make defeat more likely.

However, head coach Jerod Mayo said earlier today that Maye will start as long as he's healthy and able.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 15: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to the game at Gillette Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

"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," Mayo said. "He's a competitor, he wants to play and he's still developing. He'll be ready to go."

Based on his practice status today, Maye might not be healthy and ready to go. We'll have to wait and see over the next two days if his participation level changes.

If Maye can't go, veteran backup Jacoby Brissett would get the starting nod. Brissett started the first five weeks of the season and also relieved an injured Maye and led the Patriots to a come-from-behind win over the New York Jets on Oct. 26.

The Patriots and Bills will kick off at 1 p.m. ET Sunday. Buffalo has already locked up its fifth-straight AFC East title.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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