Does Drake Maye Know QB Plan For Week 18? Patriots Rookie Weighs In

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is operating as if he’ll start the season finale against the Bills.

“Nothing has really been put across to me,” Maye said when he appeared on WEEI on Monday afternoon. “I’m preparing like (I’m going to play). I’m going to watch the Bills some more tonight. Nothing has been said to me. But I think every week you prepare like you’re the starter regardless. I’m looking forward to getting another chance and opportunity this weekend.”

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo on Monday morning hinted New England could choose to sit Maye in the meaningless Week 18 game. There also is “absolutely” a possibility third-string QB Joe Milton III plays against the Buffalo Bills, Mayo said.

“I would say right now, everything is in consideration, and we’ll see how the week goes,” Mayo said.

Opting for Milton over Maye could make sense for a few reasons, chief among them being the fact Maye was checked for a concussion Saturday. It marked the second time in 11 starts that Maye, who’s been under consistent pressure, needed to be checked for a concussion.

The rookie ultimately returned and has felt fine.

“I feel good. I felt good going back in the game,” Maye said. “I felt good when I was out there, felt good taking off — I took a few hits after I came back in the game. I feel good today, so I’m looking forward to practice this week.”

Should the Patriots feel its in the best interest of the team to sit Maye, though, the decision likely won’t be made until later in the week.