New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Kayshon Boutte returned to the practice field at Gillette Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

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

The New England Patriots are in a precarious position as it relates to their regular-season finale at home against the Buffalo Bills. The Week 18 contest will close the door on an underwhelming season, but they could walk out of it with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft if they were to fall to Buffalo.

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.

Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye was again limited in practice with a right-hand injury on Thursday. Maye first popped up on Wednesday’s injury report. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said Thursday that Maye looked good in practice on Wednesday and that he’s expected to start Sunday’s game against the Bills.

Maye is dealing with a hand injury and New England would secure the No. 1 pick with a loss, but he is expected to start and finish the finale.

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.

Maye was just 12-of-22 for 117 yards with a touchdown and lost fumble against the Chargers. His 35.0 QBR was the second-lowest mark of his rookie season. He had a 32.3 QBR in Week 6, his first career start. He also had a 35.8 QBR in a Week 15 loss to the Cardinals. He has a 59.0 QBR overall this season.

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.

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.

The New England Patriots have had a tough season in head coach Jerod Mayo’s first season at the helm. Mayo took over from legendary head coach Bill Belichick after last season and was a part of the decision to draft quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in April’s draft.