New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye left their game with the New York Jets after a brutal hit in the head saw him suffer a concussion.

Maye was scrambling on a run with Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood in pursuit before catching up to him to make the tackle. But as Maye slid to avoid contact, Sherwood went in for the tackle while leading with his head – making contact with Maye who suffered a huge hit head-first while looking wobbled.

The rookie quarterback was making just his third start for the Patriots while looking impressive, potentially suffering a major blow to his season after suffering the head injury. Just prior to half-time, the Patriots confirmed that Maye has suffered a concussion.

Maye had only been questionable initially and was not ruled out of the game, which had suggested he may not have suffered a concussion. But around 30 minutes later, the concussion was confirmed with him ruled out of the rest of the game with back-up Jacoby Brissett set to take his place. Fans will now be sweating on the severity of the injury.

“Patriots injury update: QB Drake Maye (concussion) has been downgraded to out,” read New England’s statement. Despite the Patriots struggling dramatically in their first season without Bill Belichick, their third-overall pick Maye has been a huge bright spot in recent weeks since winning the starting job from Brissett.

The former UNC quarterback has thrown 5 touchdowns and scored one rushing touchdown to just two interceptions, playing with a Patriots team who both struggle in pass protection while having limited pass-catching options at both wide receiver and tight end.

Drake Maye will be evaluated throughout the week

Drake Maye will be evaluated throughout the week ( 

Image:

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The Pats have just one win so far this season, coming on the opening day of the year when they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals – going on to lose six games in a row since then.

The organization’s chiefs are probably already aware that the 2024 season will be a lost one, but they’ll hope to continue to build around Maye into the future – where they are likely to have a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft class, where they could bring in Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter as his long-term go-to option.