Drake Maye unlikely to play in Patriots preseason opener

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel announced that quarterback Drake Maye is not expected to play in the team’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts this Thursday. While the decision is subject to change, Vrabel noted that the team's priority is getting necessary work in during training camp.

The announcement follows a joint practice between the Patriots and the Colts. The session provided an opportunity for starters to receive repetitions without the full contact of a preseason game. The joint practice also highlighted depth chart opportunities for players further down the roster.

Observations from the joint practice also noted the absence of key defensive players, including Christian Gonzalez, who is currently involved in contract negotiations, and Carlton Davis, who has been sidelined by injury. The session underscored the importance of the Patriots' secondary to their defensive structure.