Joe Milton III, former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback and current New England Patriots rookie, might finally get a shot at his NFL regular season debut this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Milton has spent the season as the Patriots’ emergency third quarterback, but circumstances may allow him to see action for the first time.
Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt confirmed on Thursday that rookie quarterback Drake Maye will remain the starter for the game, emphasizing the Patriots’ commitment to playing for the win. However, Van Pelt also noted that Milton has taken more reps with the offense this week than usual, signaling a potential shift in his role.
“I think he’s done a great job all year,” Van Pelt said of Milton. “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.”
Growth and Preparation
Milton has been praised by the Patriots’ coaching staff for his diligent work ethic and ability to maximize limited opportunities. Serving behind Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett, Milton has embraced his role on the scout team, earning recognition for his powerful arm and elite passing potential.
Van Pelt highlighted where Milton has shown the most growth during his rookie season: understanding the Patriots’ offensive system and refining his footwork. “His understanding of the system has grown,” Van Pelt explained. “That, along with his footwork…the timing of the pass game is critical, and I think he’s made strides there as well.”
Opportunity on the Horizon
In recent weeks, the Patriots have struggled against tough opponents, including a close loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 16 and a blowout defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17. During the Chargers game, the coaching staff benched Maye for Brissett to finish the game.
If a similar situation arises against the Bills this week—whether due to game circumstances or an injury—Milton could be elevated to the backup role and potentially take the field for his NFL debut. Such a scenario would give the rookie a valuable opportunity to demonstrate his development and capabilities in live action.
The Patriots’ Outlook
With the Patriots sitting outside of playoff contention, evaluating young talent like Milton could become a priority. While the team is playing to win, the prospect of Milton taking snaps in a regular-season game could offer a glimpse of his potential future role with the organization.
For now, Milton remains ready and focused, continuing to build on the progress he’s made throughout the season. Whether or not he sees the field on Sunday, the former Vols star appears poised for a promising NFL career.
