FOXBOROUGH — After Jerod Mayo offered health caveats when explaining the plan for Drake Maye against the Bills, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was more direct on Thursday morning.

FOXBORO — Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt announced Thursday that rookie quarterback Drake Maye will start the season finale Sunday against the Bills.

The only condition coach Jerod Mayo seemed to put on Maye’s availability is whether he’s healthy enough to play. The rookie suffered a head injury last week.

And that’s part of why this shouldn’t be that difficult of a decision for the Patriots. Don’t play Drake Maye. Rest Christian Gonzalez, who is in the concussion protocol. Ensure the two pillars of this rebuild are ready to go for 2025.

Drake Maye is expected to start Sunday’s season finale, if healthy. But the Patriots just listed Maye on their first injury report of the week.

The New England Patriots enter the finale in possession of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. But Drake Maye intends on finishing his rookie year on the field.

Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has returned to the game after being evaluated for a head injury following a blow to the helmet in the first quarter of New England’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said Drake Maye will start in the team's season finale as New England can clinch the No. 1 draft pick with a loss.

The New England Patriots will start quarterback Drake Maye in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said in a Thursday news conference. The Patriots (3-13) are slotted as the No.