Patriots, Jerod Mayo Believe Drake Maye ‘100 Percent’ Ready To Start

The Patriots might be closer to starting Drake Maye than we previously thought.

New England returned to practice Wednesday, which provided reporters with an opportunity to press Jerod Mayo about his quarterbacks. Mayo, when asked about Maye, continued to open up the window for his rookie signal-caller.

"One-hundred percent. I think he's ready to run a huddle," Mayo responded when asked if Maye was ready, per team-provided video. "... (but) it's still a competition and Jacoby (Brissett) is still QB1."

Mayo has been irresolute throughout the summer, but in a way that might actually end up being a positive. New England brought Brissett in to be the starter, and that was the message early on, but as it has become clear that Maye isn't as far away as many previously thought, the Patriots have pivoted.

"I think anyone can see the confidence growing in Drake, and anyone can see Jacoby go out here, and as a total body of work, do a good job," Mayo said.

Mayo expects to know, definitively, who his starter will be by cut-down day on Tuesday.

"That doesn't mean I'll tell you."