New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye left Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions in Munich after injuring his ankle in the first quarter. Former NFL team physician David J. Chao assessed video of the play and said Maye may have suffered a mild right high ankle sprain.
Maye was sacked by Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson on third-and-goal during New England’s opening possession. He limped to the locker room and was initially listed as questionable to return. The Patriots ruled him out in the second quarter, and backup Tommy DeVito took over.
Chao said Maye’s ankle appeared to be caught at the end of the tackle. His assessment was based on video, not a medical examination. The Patriots have confirmed an ankle injury but have not announced a specific diagnosis or recovery timeline.
High ankle sprains affect ligaments above the ankle joint and can make it difficult to push off, change direction or move comfortably. A mild sprain may require two to four weeks of recovery, though Maye’s actual condition and return date remain unknown.
Maye completed three of four passes for 48 yards before leaving the game. Andy Borregales capped the opening drive with a 33-yard field goal. Hutchinson also appeared to injure his knee, reportedly during his celebration after the sack.
## Patriots Face Uncertainty at Quarterback
Maye had started all nine of New England’s games this season. Entering Sunday, he had completed 178 of 272 passes for 2,282 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. DeVito entered the game on the Patriots’ second offensive possession.
New England came into the matchup with a 5-4 record after losing 45-27 to the Green Bay Packers. The team has a Week 11 bye, giving Maye additional time to recover before its next scheduled game, a visit to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, November 29.
Whether Maye will be ready to play by then is unclear. The Patriots have not provided further details, and additional medical evaluation will determine the severity of the injury.
