Drake Maye practiced fully throughout the week, but offensive support concerns and defensive absences complicate New England's fantasy outlook against Buffalo.
The New England Patriots enter Week 4 with encouraging news at quarterback and more uncertainty elsewhere. Drake Maye carries no game designation despite appearing on the supplied injury report with a right shoulder issue.
Christian Barmore, Christian Gonzalez, Channing Canada and Brenden Schooler are ruled out. Six other players are questionable, including offensive tackle Morgan Moses, fullback Reggie Gilliam and tight end Eli Raridon. Fantasy managers must separate Maye's availability from the surrounding personnel concerns.
Patriots Friday injury report & game statuses for NE vs. BUF: https://t.co/ggno7uy1gd pic.twitter.com/K186GyGsmn
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 2, 2026
Maye's practice week provides reassurance
Maye participated fully Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. That consistent involvement, combined with the absence of a questionable, doubtful or out designation, provides no injury basis for removing him from fantasy consideration.
Managers already planning to start Maye can retain that approach without treating his shoulder listing as an automatic downgrade. However, full participation does not guarantee unrestricted performance or establish how many passing attempts, rushing opportunities or touchdowns he will generate.
His fantasy value still depends on the matchup, expected offensive workload and alternatives available on your roster.
The same restraint applies to New England's receivers. Maye's practice status is reassuring for the passing offense, but it does not support inventing target projections or declaring every receiving option a strong start.
Moses and Gilliam affect support
Moses missed Wednesday and Thursday with a foot injury before returning for limited participation Friday. He remains questionable, leaving an offensive tackle availability question unresolved.
His return represents progress rather than confirmation that he can handle his usual responsibilities. If Moses cannot play, the Patriots would need another blocking arrangement, potentially affecting protection and the time available for passing plays to develop.
That possibility merits attention when evaluating Maye, but it is not enough by itself to recommend benching him. Offensive line uncertainty should influence close lineup decisions, not override established player value without evidence.
Article Continues BelowGilliam's knee injury produced limited participation Wednesday, an absence Thursday and another limited session Friday. His questionable status matters primarily through blocking and personnel flexibility rather than fantasy scoring.
Managers should avoid assuming that his absence would automatically create additional carries for a specific running back. Different formations can redistribute blocking assignments without changing the rushing workload.
Also, Raridon was limited throughout the practice week with a thigh injury and remains questionable. Managers considering him in deeper leagues should have an alternative ready rather than interpret three limited sessions as confirmation of availability.
Even if active, the report does not establish his expected routes, targets or snap share. A healthy alternative with a clearer receiving role may offer a more dependable option.
Official inactive lists arrive approximately 90 minutes before kickoff. Check that announcement for Raridon, Moses and Gilliam before finalizing lineup decisions.
Defensive absences demand caution
Barmore and Gonzalez missed all three practices with shoulder injuries and are out. Canada is also out with a hamstring injury; the supplied report shows two limited sessions without a complete Friday entry.
Schooler remains out with a back issue identified alongside the NFI list, despite limited participation throughout the week. Practice involvement does not supersede his final designation.
Christian Elliss, Dre'Mont Jones and Craig Woodson each practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. They remain questionable with chest and shoulder injuries, respectively.
For fantasy purposes, lower confidence in New England's defense and compare available alternatives. In individual defensive player leagues, replace confirmed absences and monitor questionable players without assuming unrestricted workloads.