Drake Maye's best weapon should unexpectedly be back for Patriots in Week 7
Drake Maye's debut in Week 6 vs. the Texans was an exciting event for many reasons, the most noteworthy of all being the spark he brought to an otherwise lackluster offense. His performance caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, who felt he could be the quarterback the team has needed since Tom Brady left four years ago.
Despite the loss, it was hard not to have a moral victory on Monday to celebrate the rookie's arrival under center full time, especially since he showed off his incredible arm strength throughout the game with multiple passing touchdowns against a very tough defense.
While that was a welcomed development after a tough first five games of the season, perhaps the most disappointing was the lack of run game in Rhamondre Stevenson's absence. Some of it could certainly be chalked up to some of the questionable performance from the offensive line or even the great run defense from Houston's front seven.
But it was disappointing nonetheless since Antonio Gibson has already shown that, given the opportunity, he can be a viable weapon for Maye to utilize.
Because Stevenson missed practice all week leading up to their matchup with the Jaguars in London on Sunday, it looked like Maye wouldn't have the best chance to rely on the run game with just Gibson and practice squad players behind him. But that changed on Friday and now the team just released some great yet unexpected news for Sunday's game.
Rhamondre Stevenson's return to practice is big news for Drake Maye
Having arrived in London on Friday morning, the Patriots took to the practice field and already announced that offensive lineman Vederian Lowe would not be suiting up for their matchup across the pond.
Fortunately, he has been the only player declared out ahead of the game, meaning Stevenson is now questionable to return after missing last week.
He was a full participant on Friday and appeared to be on track to be active for the game, which is a massive win for Maye and the offense, especially since the run game was essentially non-existent against the Texans.
On top of that, the good news was the long list of players removed from the injury report entirely, a much-needed progression ahead of a winnable game.
OUT | DOUBTFUL | QUESTIONABLE |
|---|---|---|
T Vederian Lowe (ankle) | No players listed | WR Javon Baker (illness) (DNP) |
LB Curtis Jacobs (knee) (LP) | ||
G Michael Jordan (ankle) (LP) | ||
CB Jonathan Jones (shoulder) (LP) | ||
RB Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) (FP) | ||
LB Sione Takitaki (knee) (LP) | ||
CB Marco Wilson (groin) (LP) |
Removed from the list: CB Isaiah Bolden (FP), WR Kendrick Bourne (FP), LS Joe Cardona (FP), S Kyle Dugger (FP), DT Davon Godchaux (FP), LB Anfernee Jennings (FP), CB Marcus Jones (FP), S Marte Mapu (FP), QB Drake Maye (FP), WR K.J. Osborn (FP)
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