After Drake Maye absorbed a big hit in his last game, the New England Patriots may err on the side of caution with their impressive rookie quarterback in their last game of the season.
Pats coach Jerod Mayo told reporters “everything is in consideration” when asked if Maye may sit out Sunday’s finale against the visiting Buffalo Bills.
Maye left Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers after a hit to the head in the first quarter. After being deemed questionable to return, Maye did get back on the field later in the first half of a 40-7 loss.
The Patriots also might have another reason to keep Maye off the field. A loss on Sunday would guarantee New England (3-13) the first-overall pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
The Bills (13-3) are locked into the second seed of the AFC playoffs, so they likely will play mostly backups. Therefore, neither team has much incentive to actually win the game.
Veteran Jacoby Brissett is Maye’s backup.
