FOXBORO, Mass. — Barring a late change, Drake Maye will see his first NFL game action on Thursday night.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo met with reporters moments before Tuesday morning’s training camp practice. Mayo mostly fielded — and deflected — questions about the overnight Brandon Aiyuk rumors, but he also shared insight into how the New England Patriots will handle quarterbacks in their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
All Four Patriots Quarterbacks Will Play Against the Panthers
Mayo confirmed that Maye, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will play against the Panthers.
“Drake will play,” Mayo said. “Drake will play. And when he gets in the game, we’ll talk about that. But he will play in the game. Everyone who is healthy enough to play in the game [will play].”
Mayo then made a clear reference to his predecessor, Bill Belichick.
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“That’s more than you’ve ever gotten before,” he said about revealing his plans for Maye.
But how much will Maye play?
“Not sure — now you’re going too far,” Mayo said with a laugh.
Additionally, Mayo confirmed that Jacoby Brissett will start and that all four Patriots QBs — including Joe Milton III and Bailey Zappe — will see the field.
“As of today, that’s the plan, to have all of those guys out there playing,” he said.
LIVE: Jerod Mayo Press Conference 8/6: https://t.co/JHIOnIgbS1
— New England Patriots (@Patriots)
Mayo also said he hadn’t told players about his plans for Thursday.
“They’re read it probably in one of your articles,” he said.
Still, Mayo said nothing is set in stone.
“Look, I’m telling you guys this today,” he said. “I mean, it could change as the week continues to progress. But that is the plan (to start Brissett).”
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Brissett has been the Patriots’ clear No. 1 quarterback throughout training camp, with Maye being the top backup. Milton and Zappe have battled for the No. 3 spot, with Milton seeing the majority of the snaps and appearing to hold an edge.
The Patriots and Panthers will kick off from Gillette Stadium at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday night.
