Report: Patriots QB Joe Milton taking reps with first-team

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton could make his NFL debut on Sunday when the team takes on the Buffalo Bills. According to multiple reports, Milton took reps with the first-team offense during practice on Wednesday. Starting quarterback Drake Maye is dealing with a right-hand injury and was limited in Wednesday’s practice.

“It went well. I felt like I was in college again, basically, taking reps,” Milton said, per the Boston Herald. “It felt great just to make sure my eyes were right, make sure my footwork’s right with the concepts or the run game. It felt great. It felt awesome. Felt like a kid again, for sure.”

Milton has been the Patriots’ emergency third quarterback for the entire year. Maye is still set to start on Sunday, but Milton could see some action since the team is eliminated from playoff contention.

“I think he’s done a great job all year,” Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said. “The stuff that he does on the scout team has been impressive. His ability to throw the ball, he’s an elite passer in that regard. So, we’ll see. We have all three guys ready to go. We’ll make that decision later in the week, but if he does get in there, excited to see what he can do.”

Joe Milton is ‘excited’ about possibly playing in the Patriots’ season finale

Milton will be ready to go no matter what happens this week. “Excited but also very humble,” Milton said when asked about his feelings at the possibility of playing or being active against the Bills. “Just because it’s Week 18, and I’ve been waiting 17 weeks to finally get an opportunity. So, if the opportunity presents itself, make sure that I’m ready but also just another chance to go out there and step on the grass.

“Not too many people get this opportunity, and a lot of people back at home, they’re wishing. I know they got smiles on their faces even when they sleep hearing about this or seeing it on social media that I may have an opportunity. Just having these reps and having this opportunity means a lot.”

The Patriots selected Milton in the sixth round of this season’s draft. In 2023, Milton was the starting QB for Tennessee and threw for 2,769 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games.