THE New England Patriots have decided regarding Drake Maye and the remainder of the starters’ standing for the regular-season finale matchup.

If the 3-13 Patriots lose to the highway group Buffalo Payments on Sunday, they are going to obtain the No. 1 choose within the 2025 NFL Draft.

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Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt advised reporters Thursday that Maye will begin in Week 18.

The rookie Maye, who’s coping with a proper hand harm, has practiced nicely this week, in accordance with Van Pelt.

“Drake regarded good yesterday,” Van Pelt stated, per NBC Sports activities. “He’s beginning the sport, for positive.”

Maye injured his hand after taking successful to the helmet in Saturday’s 40-7 residence loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Van Pelt additionally shared that the group plans on taking part in Maye the entire recreation.

“We’re taking part in the sport to win the sport for positive, we’ll see the way it goes from that time, however sure, that’s the intent,” he stated.

Head coach Jerod Mayo was direct on Wednesday, saying that Maye and the remainder of the group’s starters will play within the season finale, if wholesome.

“I am positive the query will come up, ‘Do you wish to see sure gamers?’ Completely. If gamers are wholesome, they will be able to go,” he stated.

“So far as how a lot they play, how a lot they do not, I’ve by no means been part of a group as a participant or as a coach going right into a recreation not eager to win.

“That is not going to alter immediately. … My message to the fellows was we wish to end off the season sturdy.

“Attempt to construct some momentum going into the offseason.”

On Wednesday, the Patriots listed Maye on their harm report as a restricted participant in apply.

Payments head coach Sean McDermott stated Josh Allen will begin solely due to his consecutive beginning streak.

Allen will come out of the sport quickly thereafter.

Buffalo is 13-3 and secured the No. 2 seed within the AFC.

They’ve plans to relaxation Allen and sure a number of the group’s starters.

Maye stated he felt “nice” after being hit within the helmet within the Week 17 recreation, which triggered him to go away the sport shortly to be evaluated for a concussion.

“I am getting ready like I am the starter. I am wanting ahead to being on the market. I am able to go on the market and win and compete,” Maye stated.

“In a detailed recreation, I wish to be on the market. Getting experiences in these shut video games, you may’t replicate that in apply. I am wanting ahead to getting extra probabilities with these guys and finish off on a superb be aware.”

Maye has 15 passing touchdowns towards 10 interceptions with 2,276 passing yards and 421 yards on the bottom.

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