With one game left in the season, the Patriots control their own draft order destiny. A loss against the Bills on Sunday would clinch the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Plus, quarterback Drake Maye took a hit to the head in Saturday’s 40-7 loss to the Chargers that briefly knocked him out of the game. He told reporters after the game that he felt good despite getting his bell rung. Coach Jerod Mayo said Monday that he is not in concussion protocol.
With that said, there is a chance that the Patriots would still want to be extra careful with their promising rookie quarterback.