Latest Drake Maye injury updates after helmet-to-helmet hit vs. Jets

Although there wasn't a lot of optimism about the Patriots' chances on Sunday to beat the Jets, the third start of Drake Maye's NFL career did bring some excitement and potential for the offense, especially compared to the team's last meeting in Week 3.

The rookie quarterback brought life to the otherwise underperforming group. Despite losing his first two starts in a row, he made history with his performance and proved beyond a doubt that New England made the right choice by selecting him third overall.

That was on full display again early in the game as Maye led the team down the field with his legs to score the game's first touchdown. With the running game failing miserably, even with Rhamondre Stevenson in the lineup and receivers dropping passes left and right, Maye took things into his own hands and was the leading rusher in the first half.

Trying to replicate that on the next drive, the quarterback continued to run the football himself but unfortunately suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit that seemed to take a bigger toll on him than initially realized. Officials didn't penalize the Jets' defender for the hit despite checking on the quarterback after he looked shaken up, and Maye headed to the medical tent shortly thereafter.

Since then, he has gone into the locker room with nine minutes remaining in the first half and Jacoby Brissett has taken over at quarterback.

Further updates will be provided here once they are released by the team.

UPDATE

As the game breaks for halftime, coach Jerod Mayo spoke with sideline reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala and revealed the quarterback WILL NOT return for the remainder of the game, as he suffered a concussion on the illegal helmet-to-helmet hit.

Maye leaving the field drained the energy from the team, and although Brissett still has a chance to help the team win, there's not a lot of optimism that that will get done.

It's a huge loss not only this week but next week as well since often concussed players don't clear protocol within a week, meaning Maye will likely miss Week 9 vs. the Titans, too. We'll have to wait for further updates, however.

This couldn't have happened at a worse time for the Patriots, who are hoping to bounce back from the brutal back-to-back losses in Weeks 6 and 7. Maye was the main reason there was a belief that could get done, and their current stretch of schedule looked perfect to do that and, perhaps more importantly, increase morale. But that might have to wait a few more weeks.

UPDATE after the game

While speaking to reporters, Mayo spoke about Maye wanting to get back into the game at halftime but is still going through concussion protocol. It could be a good sign for his availability next week, but nothing is clear yet.

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