In an exciting announcement for New England Patriots fans, head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed that rookie quarterback Drake Maye will make his NFL debut in the team's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. The highly anticipated game will take place at Gillette Stadium on Thursday.

While Maye won't be starting right away, Mayo revealed that veteran Jacoby Brissett will take the helm as the starting quarterback for the preseason opener. Maye is set to enter the game as a relief quarterback. Mayo emphasized that all healthy players will have the opportunity to play in the game.

Mayo did not provide details on how the quarterback reps will be divided, but he did confirm that all four quarterbacks currently on the Patriots' roster will see playing time against the Panthers. Alongside Brissett and Maye, sixth-round draft pick Joe Milton and Bailey Zappe are expected to take the field.

The decision to have Brissett start the game aligns with what has been observed during the team's 10 training camp practices. Although Brissett and Maye have had a relatively equal number of reps, Brissett has consistently been the starter, taking the first snaps during competitive periods and working with the first-team offense.

The Patriots have expressed their intention to take a methodical approach to Maye's development, so his role as a backup quarterback in the preseason opener is not surprising. This contrasts with other top rookie quarterbacks such as Washington's Jayden Daniels, who are expected to start in their respective teams' preseason debuts.

While it is encouraging to hear that Maye will get the opportunity to play, the Panthers have opted to protect their number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young, by not featuring him in the game. With veteran quarterback Andy Dalton sidelined due to injury, the Patriots can expect to see rookie Jack Plummer and fourth-string QB Jake Luton leading the Panthers' offense.

The highly anticipated Patriots-Panthers matchup is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday. It will undoubtedly be an exciting opportunity for fans to witness the debut of Drake Maye and get a glimpse of the Patriots' quarterback depth in action.