Patriots-Bills injury report: Maye questionable, Polk ruled out for Week 18 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots’ 2024 season ends Sunday against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium, and it’s still unclear how well Drake Maye will play.
The rookie quarterback has started the Patriots’ last 11 games, and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said earlier this week that Maye would start “for sure” against the Bills.
Maye is also questionable for this game due to a right hand injury, according to the team’s final injury report for Week 18 released Friday afternoon. While it will be helpful for Maye to get as many reps as possible in his rookie campaign, there is some risk in playing him.
Besides the risk of injury, another reason not to play much against Maye in this match is the fact that, in case of defeat, the Patriots would get the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If the Patriots beat the Bills, they could fall as high as fourth overall. That’s a huge difference and one that could alter the team’s offseason plans.
In other injury news, the Patriots have officially ruled out cornerback Christian Gonzalez (concussion), center Ben Brown (concussion), safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) and rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk ( shoulder). Polk finished his rookie season with 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
Six players are listed as questionable for New England, including Maye (right hand) and tight end Hunter Henry (foot).
The Bills only have two players listed on the injury report. Linebacker Terrel Bernard (quad) is out and wide receiver Curtis Samuel (rib) is questionable. The Bills are not expected to play many snaps with their starters, as they have already clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Here is the final Week 18 injury report for the Patriots and Bills.
New England Patriots (3-13)
OUT
-
C Ben Brown, concussion
-
CB Christian Gonzalez, concussion
-
S Jabrill peppers, hamstrings
-
WR Ja’Lynn Polk, shoulder
QUESTIONABLE
-
S Kyle Dugger, ankle/quadriceps
-
TE Hunter Henry, foot
-
LB Anfernee Jennings, knee
-
LB Titus Leo, Ankle
-
QB Drake Maye, right hand
-
LB Sione Takitaki, knee
Buffalo Bills (13-3)
OUT
QUESTIONABLE
