Drake Maye wants to earn repeats

Patriots

Drake Maye is expected to play in some of the team’s preseason opening games on Thursday.

Patriots fans will see Drake Maye in action for the first time on Thursday, as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is expected to play in New England’s season opener against the Panthers at Gillette Stadium.

Kick-off in Foxborough is scheduled for 7 p.m.

After a 12-day training camp, Jerod Mayo and New England’s newly formed squad will look to prove their mettle against Carolina, with several of their regular players in action.

“Look, anyone who’s healthy enough to play will play,” Mayo said earlier this week. “We’ll have to see what these guys can do in live action.”

While Jacoby Brissett is currently in charge as New England’s QB1, Thursday should also provide an opportunity for Maye, Joe Milton and even Bailey Zappe to secure some playing time.

Add to that questions about New England’s O-Line and new additions to the Patriots’ receiver corps, and there are plenty of storylines worth following.

Boston.com’s Khari Thompson analyzes six things to watch for Thursday night.

Follow live updates from Thursday’s season opener here and check back after the game to read some initial observations.

LIVE UPDATES:

5:50: A lot of eyes will be on Drake Maye, but I can’t wait to see Milton a few times. That arm is special, even if he still has a lot of work to do at the NFL level.