The New England Patriots left Munich with a 35-10 loss to the Detroit Lions on Nov. 15—and immediate concerns about quarterback Drake Maye’s health and the playing surface at Allianz Arena.
Patriots defensive tackle Milton Williams criticized the field after Maye and Lions defensive star Aidan Hutchinson were injured during the same first-quarter play. Williams said he believed the surface may have contributed to both injuries, though neither has been confirmed as season-ending.
“Two top players in this league, probably got season-ending injuries playing on that [field]. It was bad,” Williams said. He later clarified that he did not know the extent of Maye’s injury.
## How Maye and Hutchinson Were Injured
The injuries happened on New England’s opening possession. Hutchinson sacked Maye on third down at Detroit’s 15-yard line. Maye injured his right ankle during the tackle and limped off the field.
After the sack, Hutchinson jumped to celebrate but landed awkwardly and injured his right knee. Both players went to their respective locker rooms and were later ruled out of the game.
There has been no confirmation that the playing surface caused either injury. Williams also stressed that he was not using the field as an excuse for the Patriots’ defeat.
“But like I said, I ain’t making no excuses,” Williams said. “The Lions executed. They played on the same field we did, and they executed and made more plays than we did. Give them credit.”
Detroit improved to 7-2 with the win, while New England fell to 5-5.
## Patriots Await Further Tests on Drake Maye
Maye completed three of four passes for 48 yards and rushed for 11 yards before leaving the game. Backup quarterback Tommy DeVito took over, finishing with 81 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the team needed more information about Maye’s condition.
“We’ll have to get some more tests run,” Vrabel said.
New England has a Week 11 bye before its Nov. 29 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The time off gives the Patriots an opportunity to assess Maye’s injury, though his availability will depend on the results of further testing.
