Drake Maye suffered two blows during New England’s week 17 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Patriots will host the Bills at the Gilette Stadium in the season finale. They have a 3-13 record this season, and a loss has more to offer the Patriots than a win. Maye’s availability for the game is still uncertain.
Is Drake Maye playing today? Will the Patriots sit out their rookie quarterback in their last game?
Will Drake Maye Play in Week 18?
Update: Drake Maye started the game but was removed as the team rested their starters.
Drake Maye has drawn a questionable tag ahead of the Patriots’ clash against the Bills. He got involved in a helmet-to-helmet hit minutes into the first quarter of the loss against the Chargers in Week 17. He had to leave the gridiron after scrambling to his right during the Patriots’ first offensive drive.
The prized rookie QB first went to the medical tent and then to the locker room. Jacoby Brissett replaced him for the rest of the quarter. Despite the speculations about him missing the game, Drake Maye returned in the second quarter. He went 12 for 22 with 117 passing yards and a touchdown before hurting his right hand late into the fourth quarter.
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is certain that Maye will start against the Bills. Head coach Jerod Mayo said on Wednesday that Drake will play in the Patriots’ final game of the 2024 NFL season if he is healthy and ready to go. It’s the same for other players as well. Mayo said the Patriots will play for a win and healthy players will suit up.
Drake Maye also spoke about his preparation for Week 18 on Wednesday.
“I’m preparing like I’m the starter. I’m looking forward to being out there. I’m ready to go out there and win and compete,” he said.
The 22-year-old has thrown for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Patriots’ best chance against the Bills on Sunday is likely with him under center.
Maye’s overall numbers this season leave a lot to be improved upon, with a 0.02 EPA/DB (21st), a 34.6% third-down conversion rate (28th), and 6.1 nYPA (28th). His play has given some optimism to the Patriots, especially in clutch spots. Additionally, he has a terrible offensive line in front of him and one of the worst skill-position groups in the league, so improvements there this offseason should help him in 2025 and beyond.
As a whole, he ranks 20th in the league in PFN’s QB+ metric (75.4, C), bringing plenty of promise to New England’s future
What Will the Patriots Play for in Week 18?
The Patriots are already eliminated from postseason contention. Even though this matchup doesn’t change their fate this season, it offers them an opportunity to strengthen their squad next season. If the Patriots lose their last game, they would bag the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, if Maye and Co. win the game, the Patriots can slide down to as low as the No. 4 overall pick. Christian Gonzalez, Jabrill Peppers, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Ben Brown have already been ruled out for New England.
The Patriots could certainly use this final game to get Maye more reps. But if it comes down to registering a loss, New England might let Maye sit out the game.
