HUGE BLOW: Patriots’ star player suffers shoulder injury in preseason loss
The NFL season opener versus the Cincinnati Bengals is soon approaching.
Jacoby Brissett, the New England Patriots’ quarterback, suffered a shoulder injury during Sunday’s 20-10 preseason loss to the Washington Commanders. Brissett suffered the injury in the first quarter after he was sacked by Washington’s KJ Henry.
Due to a blocking mistake, the defensive end went unblocked and landed severely on Brissett’s right shoulder. Despite grimacing in pain and gripping his shoulder, Brissett remained in the game for a brief period before being removed.
Brissett completed a 6-yard pass on the next play before attempting a deep pass to K.J. Osborn, which was dropped.
Brissett was then removed from the game, a move that head coach Jerod Mayo claimed was pre-planned to give freshman Drake Maye more playing time.
“He would have been able to continue,” Mayo stated, implying that the injury wasn’t immediately thought serious. However, Mayo also stated, “You always feel a little bit more sore the next day,” leaving room for more investigation.
Brissett spent the rest of the game on the sidelines, appearing to be in high spirits. Meanwhile, Maye took over and delivered an impressive performance, completing 13 of 20 throws for 126 yards and a touchdown on his opening drive.
He also demonstrated his mobility with a 17-yard run that led to the Patriots’ only touchdown of the game.
Here’s the play that hurt Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett: pic.twitter.com/DcraKZpkjV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2024
Implications for the Patriots’ Quarterback Situation
With the NFL season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals quickly approaching, Brissett’s injury raises concerns about the Patriots’ quarterback depth chart.
Head coach Jerod Mayo has constantly stated that Brissett remains the starter, but given Maye’s outstanding performance, the coaching staff may rethink if Brissett’s ailment persists.
“I would like to sit here and say 100 percent, he is our second-best quarterback on our roster right now,” Mayo said, leaving Maye’s position undetermined.
The Patriots’ offensive line issues also had a huge impact on the game. The offensive line committed eight penalties, including four for poor alignment, and battled with a terrible shotgun snap and a botched center-quarterback exchange.
The miscommunication over the blocking assignment immediately resulted in Brissett’s injury, underlining a critical source of worry for the team going ahead.
In addition to Brissett and Maye, the Patriots’ quarterback depth chart includes youngster Joe Milton III and veteran Bailey Zappe.
With the roster cut deadline approaching, the coaching staff must determine if they are satisfied with their current alternatives or whether they need to make changes.
Maye expressed confidence in his ability to step up when necessary, saying, “I think I’m ready for whatever this football team asks of me.”
As the Patriots prepare for the season opener, Brissett’s injury and the offensive line’s performance will be key in assessing their readiness.
The next few days will be critical in determining Brissett’s condition and the quarterback pecking order for Week 1.
