FOXBOROUGH - During his media briefing Wednesday, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo reiterated his stance on whether or not he'd start Drake Maye given injury concerns, as well as the possibility of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft with a loss.
First off, Mayo indicated that Maye, who suffered a head injury during Saturday's loss to the LA Chargers, was "healthy" and would be at practice, and he'd see how it goes from there.
Asked what factors would be at play when deciding whether or not to start him, Mayo pointed to Maye's development.
"If you talk to Drake ... he's a competitor, he wants to play, and he's still developing," Mayo said. "So, he'll be read to go."
Mayo was then pressed further. So if Maye wants to play, he'll start?
"Drake is our starting quarterback," Mayo said. "If he's healthy and ready to go, as we go through this week of practice, then he'll play."
Maye indicated Wednesday he was prepping as if he was going to start the game against the Bills, who will largely being playing subs with the No. 2 seed wrapped up.
With speculation about the possibility of fellow rookie Joe Milton III possibly getting a chance to play, whether starting, or coming in at some point, Mayo was also asked if this game would be a good opportunity to see Milton and some of the younger players.
"We'll have to see how the game goes," Mayo answered.
The Patriots coach said his message to the players was about finishing the season strong, and trying to build some momentum going into the offseason.
Mayo says if players are healthy, they'll play.
"I've never been a part of a team, as a player, or a coach, going into a game and not wanting to win. It's not going to change today. That's my message to the team."