LONDON — Rookie quarterback Drake Maye of the Patriots addressed media inquiries surrounding his knee on Friday, expressing his readiness to make his second start as New England prepares to compete against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium.
Selected as the third overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, Maye remarked that he is “feeling good,” notwithstanding his inclusion on the injury report this week due to a knee concern.
“The last couple of days have felt solid during practice, and I feel prepared for Sunday,” Maye stated during a press conference held at Harrow School.
Following a challenging game where the Patriots fell 41-21 to the Houston Texans, Maye has been a bright spot, participating fully in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday before the team’s departure for London. He also took part in practice on Friday.
When pressed on the timeline of his knee issue, he opted to remain tight-lipped, explaining that injuries are not something he prefers to discuss publicly. “I’m looking forward to Sunday,” he added.
Head coach Jerod Mayo was also questioned about whether Maye underwent an MRI, to which he declined to divulge specific medical details. “What I can say is that I’m confident he’ll be ready to take the field,” Mayo affirmed.
He described Maye as “looking good” and confirmed that the rookie has been taking most of the first-team snaps during practice. In his inaugural NFL start, Maye managed to throw three touchdown passes, although he also recorded three turnovers, contributing to the team’s fifth consecutive loss, leaving them with a 1-5 record.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson returned to practice for the first time since being sidelined due to a foot injury in the game against Houston. “I feel like I should be good to go for Sunday,” the fourth-year player stated.
While Stevenson, who boasts an average of 4.6 yards per carry through five games, is considered a game-time decision by Mayo, his return would greatly benefit an offense that aims to establish a running game to ease pressure on rookie Maye.
In contrast, the Jaguars have been based in London for a week after suffering a hefty 35-16 defeat against the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, unlike the Patriots, who arrived only on Friday morning.
Mayo expressed his confidence about the situation. “Many of the guys managed to catch some sleep on the plane. They have a chance to regain their energy throughout the day,” he explained.
He advised his players to be active: “Don’t spend the entire day in your room sleeping; get outside and stretch your legs.”
In more team news, owner Robert Kraft engaged with players during practice, sharing casual exchanges, fist-bumping tight end Hunter Henry, and conversing with safety Joe Cardona and punter Bryce Baringer.
Additionally, Kraft has been nominated among the 25 candidates in the contributor category for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, as revealed earlier this week.