Foxborough, Massachusetts – The New England Patriots faced a setback during their pre-season game against the Washington Commanders when starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter. The injury occurred after a sack by Washington’s KJ Henry, leaving Brissett visibly in pain. Despite trying to play through it, Brissett was eventually pulled from the game as a precaution.
Coach Jerod Mayo revealed that Brissett could have continued playing if needed but decided to give rookie Drake Maye some playing time. Maye, the third overall pick in the draft, stepped in and made an impact, throwing for 126 yards and one touchdown.
However, Brissett’s injury raises concerns for the Patriots, as Mayo must now assess whether they feel comfortable relying on Maye as the backup quarterback. The team’s offensive line also faced challenges during the game, with multiple penalties and mistakes that compounded the situation.
As the Patriots approach the roster deadline, Mayo must make tough decisions on the quarterback depth chart, considering players like Joe Milton III and Bailey Zappe alongside Maye. Throughout training camp, Mayo has emphasized Brissett as the starter, but Maye’s performance could potentially change that narrative.
Looking ahead to the season opener, Maye expressed confidence in his abilities and readiness to step up if needed. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Brissett’s injury, the Patriots remain focused on preparing for their upcoming game against the Bengals.
The Patriots will need to address the quarterback situation swiftly, balancing risk and reward as they finalize their roster decisions in the lead-up to the new season. Mayo’s coaching staff will play a crucial role in determining the team’s strategy moving forward as they aim to overcome challenges and optimize their chances for success.