“It’s still a competition, and Jacoby is still QB1,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo declared just days ago. But football, like life, has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. In a twist that could make even the most stoic Patriots fan raise an eyebrow, Jacoby Brissett’s quest for the starting quarterback role hit a significant snag during Sunday’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders.

According to Mike Kadlick, the Patriots have officially reported Brissett’s injury as a right shoulder issue, and he is currently listed as questionable to return. Adam Schefter also confirmed the injury, noting that Brissett’s status remains uncertain. The injury occurred after Brissett took a significant hit from Commanders’ defensive end KJ Henry, which left him visibly shaken on the field.

From the start of the match, this occurred in the sixth play where a miscommunication among the Patriots’ offensive line allowed Commanders defensive end K.J. Henry to give Brissett a massive hit. He looked like he was in pain as he held his right arm and made his way towards the sidelines after being sacked by Henry. Though he finished up that drive, there was something wrong.

While the initial injury to Jacoby Brissett caused concern among Patriots fans and potentially threw the quarterback situation into disarray, there appears to be a silver lining. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported late in the game that Brissett was seen on the sideline still in pads during the fourth quarter, suggesting the injury may not be as serious as initially feared.

As “questionable to return” by their team, Patriots fans waited with bated breath for Brissett’s status update regarding being named a likely week 1 starter. This will inevitably screw up Mayo’s decision on who will be his starting quarterback, which had been planned to be announced on Monday or Tuesday following the last game of the preseason.

It could not have happened at a worse time for Mayo and his assistants since they are now faced with a predicament that could define the New England Patriots’ fortunes all season long when they face the Cincinnati Bengals in their regular season opener two weeks from now. Do they stick to their original plan hoping that Brissett recovers quickly or does this twist of fate provide an opportunity for rookie sensation Drake Maye to make the starting position his own?

Drake Maye is the rookie on the rise

As the injured shoulder of Brissett was taken care of on the sideline all eyes were on Drake Maye, a first-round and third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft by the Patriots. His first series did not go unnoticed because he led an impressive 11-play drive that resulted in an 88-yard touchdown.

Maye’s pre-season exhibition has been one of his kind. In their first game versus the Eagles which they won 17-3, Maye displayed his dual-threat ability by scoring a four-yard touchdown which made excitement among New England fans. Some people compared him with other young quarterbacks who are playing in this most unpredictable league.

Even before Brissett’s injury, Maye had done enough to convince anyone that he deserved to be the starter. Patriot offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt expressed his enthusiasm about this rookie with whom he works “every day” during his interview session, “He’s taken steps forward every single day, and that’s the big thing,” Van Pelt further added, “There’s no regression. He’s been really impressive, the last few weeks especially.”

Maye’s humility and respect for the pecking order of quarterbacks have remained intact despite rising excitement over his performances. “You know I’m just gonna take advantage of my opportunities,” said Maye during a conversation earlier in the week. “I think Jacoby has done a great job, he’s a great player, great teammate.”

With Brissett’s situation now uncertain, Maye’s chance to be the Patriots’ QB1 has become even more immediate. The quarterback competition in New England just got very intriguing; one thing is certain: the quarterback competition in New England just got a whole lot more interesting.