Drake Maye injury: Patriots QB to locker room, questionable to return vs. Jets

New England Patriots (1-6) quarterback Drake Maye exited to the locker room after suffering a head injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s Week 8 home tilt against the New York Jets (2-5).

Maye, evaluated for a concussion, will not return, head coach Jerod Mayo told CBS. Jacoby Brissett has replaced him under center.

The 2024 No. 3 overall pick took a hit to head after scrambling for 18 yards on the Patriots’ third offensive drive of the game. Maye finished the drive before making way for Brissett on the following possession in the second quarter.

Here’s that hit Drake Maye took to the head.#Patriots pic.twitter.com/R1EL4B0L7a

— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) October 27, 2024

Before leaving the game, Maye recorded the first rushing touchdown of his NFL career, a 17-yard score to give the Patriots an early 6-0 lead.

Take it yourself @DrakeMaye2 👏

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/lDKGOnPLKj

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 27, 2024

Patriots lose Drake Maye in Week 8 vs. Jets

Maye has provided a jolt to New England’s offense since taking over the starting job from Brissett in Week 6. He has thrown for 541 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions on 64.1% passing.

Maye talked about his comfort level within the offense earlier this week.

“Yeah, I think I’m getting there, especially preaching what AVP [Alex Van Pelt] preaches, and doing the little things,” Maye said. “You know, some of the ‘for the love of the game’ routes of spacing and making sure you have a clear route to get somebody else open. I think we’re kind of feeling that out. We’ve got a young team in the receiver room.

“The tight ends got a better understanding of, they’ve been in a lot of different concepts in the offenses. I think the young guys are starting to figure it out. I think here you’re going to see a click, and I think we’ve got some talent on offense. I’m looking forward to seeing when that happens.”