FOXBORO — Last month, head coach Jerod Mayo said he expected the Patriots to “pare down” their quarterback room ahead of training camp. That plan seemingly has changed.

Asked Wednesday whether New England intends to carry all four of its QBs into camp, Mayo replied: “Absolutely.”

“That’s how I see it right now,” the head coach said. “We’ll have these conversations as the week progresses, but that’s how I see it right now.”

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In the past, the Patriots typically preferred to roster just three quarterbacks during training camp, as splitting reps between four signal-callers can be difficult. (Last year’s QB4, Malik Cunningham, also practiced at wide receiver.)

Keeping four this summer, though, will give the Patriots additional time to evaluate the third-string battle between third-year pro Bailey Zappe and sixth-round rookie Joe Milton. Zappe has NFL starting experience, while Milton offers elite physical traits in a raw package.

The Patriots could ultimately choose to include all four on their 53-man roster, but they have several months before they need to make that decision.