New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett picked up a shoulder injury during the 20-10 loss to the Washington Commanders in the final week of pre-season.
The new NFL campaign gets underway on the first week of September but it is a setback for the East Coast franchise, who have still not named their starting QB.
Brissett appeared to hurt his throwing shoulder, but coach Jerod Mayo says he could have played on longer if he needed to.
The 31-year-old was sacked by Washington’s KJ Henry and got up holding the injured area, but stayed on for two more plays before being pulled.
After the match, Mayo said: “I talked to him, but we’ll see [Monday]. You always feel a little bit more sore the next day. But he said he was good.
“He would have been able to continue.”
Final from Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/a8OFKspWRv
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 26, 2024
Rookie Drake Maye – the No.3 pick at the draft this summer – was put in and impressed.
He recorded 13 out of 20 completions for 126 yards, scoring one touchdown.
The young gun also had a 17-yard run, proving once again he is a versatile option for the Patriots.
Maye has staked a claim to be considered as the starting QB for the opener against the Cincinnati Bengals but still faces competition from Brissett, Joe Milton III and Bailey Zappe.
Speaking on whether he thinks he is ready, Maye added: “Yeah, I think I would feel ready. I think I’m ready for whatever this football team asks of me and ready to get out there and try to help beat the Bengals Week 1.”
