FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots concluded a preseason without playing starting quarterback Drake Maye, joining 11 other teams that kept established starters on the sideline. This adds intrigue to the Sept. 9 season opener against the Seattle Seahawks and quarterback Sam Darnold in a Super Bowl LX rematch. Coach Mike Vrabel initially intended to play starters in the finale against the Cleveland Browns, but both Vrabel and Browns coach Todd Monken cited thin offensive and defensive lines as the reason for holding players out. Vrabel acknowledged the difficult decision, stating the goal was reaching the regular season healthy.

Other teams resting starters included the Dallas Cowboys (Dak Prescott), Baltimore Ravens (Lamar Jackson), Pittsburgh Steelers (Aaron Rodgers), and Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes). The Patriots instead relied on three joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles, providing Maye roughly 84 full-team reps. While some coaches view joint practices as equal to game action, others, like former coach Bill Belichick, believe live game speed is irreplaceable. Vrabel appeared to wrestle with this balance throughout August.

Injuries continue to mount as New England sets its initial 53-man roster.