New England Patriots starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett suffered a throwing shoulder injury during the team’s preseason loss to the Washington Commanders. The injury occurred in the first quarter of the game when Brissett was sacked by Washington’s KJ Henry. The impact of the sack landed Henry’s full body weight on Brissett’s right shoulder, causing him to clutch the front of his shoulder in pain.
After the injury, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo stated that Brissett could have continued playing if the plan was to keep him in the game longer. Mayo mentioned that Brissett felt good after the game, but they would have to wait until the next day to see how sore he would be. Despite the injury, Brissett managed to complete a 6-yard pass and a pinpoint deep throw before being removed from the game as part of the initial plan to give rookie Drake Maye playing time.
In Brissett’s absence, rookie Drake Maye stepped in and finished the game with a solid performance, completing 13-of-20 passes for 126 yards and one touchdown. Maye also showcased his versatility with a 17-yard run that helped set up the team’s lone touchdown of the game. However, Mayo did not commit to naming Maye as the backup quarterback, stating that he needed to review the game film before making a decision.
In addition to Brissett and Maye, the Patriots have rookie Joe Milton III and third-year veteran Bailey Zappe on the quarterback depth chart. As the team approaches the roster deadline, Mayo and his coaching staff will have to evaluate their options at the quarterback position, taking into consideration the surrounding offensive cast and the performance of the offensive line in the preseason game.
When asked about his readiness for the season opener, Maye expressed confidence in his abilities and stated that he feels prepared if called upon to start. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Brissett’s injury, the Patriots remain optimistic about their quarterback situation heading into the new season.
Overall, Brissett’s injury raises questions about the team’s depth at the quarterback position and highlights the importance of having a strong supporting cast to protect and support the quarterbacks on the field. As the Patriots continue to prepare for the upcoming season, they will need to carefully assess their options and make strategic decisions to ensure success on the field.