FOXBORO — The Patriots are at least preparing rookie quarterback Joe Milton III to play Sunday in their season finale against the Bills. How the game plays out will determine if he actually gets his first playing time of the season.

Milton took his first first-team practice reps of the season Wednesday. The Tennessee product has been relegated to scout-team duty as the Patriots emergency third quarterback for the first 17 weeks of the season.

Related Articles

Patriots intend to start Drake Maye vs. Bills, play him entire game

Callahan: The Patriots should tank Sunday’s season finale for their own good

Patriots-Bills injury report: Drake Maye listed with new injury Wednesday

How Patriots QB Drake Maye feels he’s improved since college

Jerod Mayo addresses job security, boos from Patriots fans

“It went well. I felt like I was in college again, basically, taking reps,” Milton said. “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.”

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt left open the possibility that Milton could play Sunday despite the fact that the Patriots are planning to have Drake Maye start and intend to have him play the whole game.

“I think he’s done a great job all year. 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.”

Milton said he hasn’t heard from coaches that he’s going to play Sunday. Coaches came in on Tuesday at noon and told the quarterbacks just like they do every week to study as if they’re going to be the starting quarterback.

“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 Maye third overall and Milton in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Patriots elected to keep Maye, Milton and Jacoby Brissett after training camp and cut Bailey Zappe.

Milton started his career at Michigan before transferring to Tennessee. He started 21 games during his college career between his time at Michigan and Tennessee and went 13-8, completing 60.9% of his passes for 4,303 yards, 37 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed 139 times for 892 yards with 12 touchdowns.