Drake Maye has proven promising indicators in his rookie season with the New England Patriots, regardless of working with a shaky offensive line and restricted offensive weapons.
The No. 3 total choose from the 2024 NFL Draft has put up strong numbers, finishing 66.8% of his passes for two,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
He’s additionally demonstrated his mobility, speeding for 424 yards and including two scores on the bottom in 12 video games.
Questions on Maye’s well being surfaced Wednesday afternoon when NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the rookie quarterback appeared on the Patriots’ damage report as a restricted participant in apply as a consequence of a proper hand difficulty.
#Patriots QB Drake Maye, who suffered a finger damage throughout Sunday’s sport, was listed as restricted for apply with a right-hand damage.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2025
The priority appeared minimal, although, as Maye was noticed throwing with out obvious problem through the media portion of apply.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo addressed Maye’s standing for Sunday’s season finale towards the Buffalo Payments, indicating the rookie would begin if wholesome.
Jerod Mayo says Drake Maye is a competitor, “he desires to play,” and that he’s nonetheless creating as a rookie:
“He’ll be able to go…Drake is our beginning quarterback. If he’s wholesome and able to go as we undergo this week of apply, then he’ll play.”@WEEI #NEPats pic.twitter.com/64JDxA9GRW
— TommyFreezePops (@yaboiTCfresh) January 1, 2025
Whereas Maye did undergo a finger damage throughout Week 16’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, it was really a head damage that briefly sidelined him.
He returned within the second quarter to complete 12 for 22 with 117 yards and a landing.
With the Payments planning to relaxation their starters after securing the AFC’s No. 2 seed, the Patriots may contemplate doing the identical.
There’s a compelling motive to sit down Maye this weekend, notably since a loss might safe New England the No. 1 choose within the 2025 NFL Draft.
Defending their younger quarterback and different key gamers from pointless threat in a comparatively meaningless sport may very well be the prudent transfer for the Patriots’ future.
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