The Week 1 preseason action kicks off Thursday with the Patriots hosting the Carolina Panthers, but the spotlight will be missing one of its top draft picks. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed that Drake Maye, selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, will see action in the preseason opener at Gillette Stadium, though specifics on his playing time remain unclear.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have announced that Bryce Young, last year’s top draft pick, will not participate in the preseason opener. Head coach Dave Canales decided to rest Young to keep him fresh, while veteran Andy Dalton’s limited practice participation means undrafted rookie Jack Plummer—no relation to former NFL QB Jake Plummer—will handle most of the quarterback duties. The Panthers also signed Jake Luton this week as their fourth quarterback.
Thursday’s game is set to feature a rookie quarterback showdown between Maye and Plummer, as both players compete for their respective teams’ starting and backup roles. While Mayo and Canales haven’t disclosed the playing time for their starters, the matchup marks an exciting start to the NFL preseason.