Drake Maye and Colts quarterback Daniel Jones had noticeable moments during Tuesday’s joint practice in Foxborough, but neither is expected to play in Thursday’s preseason opener, coaches said. The update — coming after a spirited session that included a kickoff shove and a taunting penalty following a touchdown — leaves backups and younger players set for the bulk of reps in the exhibition game.
What happened at the Colts-Patriots joint practice
Tuesday’s joint practice between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts was energetic and, at times, heated. The session featured one-on-one battles throughout and a kickoff drill that ended with a brief shoving match along the sideline.
Colts defensive end Durell Nchami appeared to stay locked up with a Patriots player after the whistle and was escorted off the field by a Colts assistant after multiple staff intervened. The incident was short-lived and did not produce any reported disciplinary action.
A play that caught attention came when Daniel Jones hit Colts receiver Josh Downs for a touchdown, which was followed by a taunting penalty on Downs. He later downplayed the incident, saying, “That’s my bad … friendly trash talk going on in practice.”
Coaches praised the competitive tone. The practice provided useful looks for depth evaluation even as starters prepare to sit the game.
Who’s expected to play (and who won’t) in the preseason opener — Drake Maye update
Both teams entered Thursday’s game with plans to rest their primary signal-callers. Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen said, “It’s pretty obvious I don’t want to take any chances out there with Daniel in the preseason.” Steichen added that Anthony Richardson will start the first half and Riley Leonard will take over in the third quarter, with adjustments planned for Indy’s next exhibition.
On the Patriots side, coach Mike Vrabel offered the team’s working plan on his rookie starter: “The expectation is that Drake Maye will get the night off but the plan could change.” Vrabel emphasized that the coaching staff values getting planned work completed while retaining flexibility.
Per current plans, Tommy DeVito is expected to start for New England, followed by rookie Behren Morton. Those assignments are the working plan and could change closer to kickoff.
Why Christian Gonzalez’s absence matters
The practice also featured notable absences: top cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Christian Gonzalez were not on the field. In Gonzalez’s case, the preseason has been shaped by ongoing discussions between the player and the team about a contract extension, and his absence was noted in that context. Coverage of that negotiation remains in progress and should be treated as evolving.
Defensive lineman Milton Williams noted the impact of missing a primary cover corner: “He’s a hell of a player. When he’s not out there, we’ve got to step up and carry that weight for him.” For more on the negotiation context and what it could mean for the secondary, see the site’s coverage of christian gonzalez.
What to watch in Thursday’s preseason opener
With the expected absences of the top quarterbacks and key corners, the exhibition offers a clearer window on backups, rookies and depth players. For New England, that means evaluating how DeVito and Morton handle first- and second-team reps, how the offensive line performs without the projected starter getting snaps, and which wide receivers and tight ends step up in red-area chances.
Defensively, look for younger cornerbacks and nickel packages to be tested without Gonzalez and Davis. For the Colts, the game will be an important chance for Richardson to establish rhythm and for Leonard to show readiness in extended snaps.
Keep in mind that preseason plans are provisional. Coaches emphasized the flexibility of playing plans and the priority of long-term health over early game reps.
Key takeaways
- Drake Maye and Daniel Jones are expected not to play Thursday, per team statements.
- Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton are slated for New England reps; Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard will split time for Indianapolis.
- Absences of Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III make this a useful evaluation game for Patriots depth at Gillette Stadium.
Source attribution
This article is based on reporting by Kyle Hightower and Associated Press coverage published by The Portland Press Herald, with additional AP reporting by Charles Krupa. Direct coach quotes and practice details were taken from the Press Herald story, including comments attributed to Shane Steichen and Mike Vrabel. Read the original report here: Portland Press Herald/Associated Press.
Note: Playing plans and contract discussions are subject to change. This story will be updated as teams announce final rosters and snap plans for the preseason opener.
