In the NFL’s international showcase in Munich, the New England Patriots saw their starting quarterback, Drake Maye, forced out of the contest after a hard hit to his right ankle. The injury occurred early in the first quarter when Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson sacked Maye on third down at the Detroit 15‑yard line.
Maye’s brief performance
Before the injury, Maye completed three of four pass attempts for 48 yards and added an 11‑yard scramble on the Patriots’ opening drive. His efficient play helped New England move into scoring position before the sack halted the momentum.
Backup quarterback steps in
Veteran backup Tommy DeVito, who joined the Patriots after being waived by the New York Giants last season, took over for the second drive. DeVito’s effort was limited; he threw an interception and completed four of nine passes for 16 yards before the halftime break.
Game impact and score
The Lions capitalized on the Patriots’ quarterback woes, building a 21‑3 lead at halftime. The early loss of Maye forced New England to rely on a less experienced passer, contributing to the scoring gap.
Hutchinson’s follow‑up
After delivering the sack, Hutchinson celebrated the play by jumping and landing, only to feel a strain in his right knee. He left the field for evaluation and headed to the locker room, adding a minor injury concern for Detroit.
Next steps for New England
Patriots head coach will assess Maye’s ankle condition before determining his availability for the remainder of the season. The team’s medical staff will conduct imaging and a thorough evaluation to gauge recovery time. In the meantime, DeVito will continue to lead the offense while the Patriots look to adjust their game plan against a high‑scoring Lions squad.
Broader context
The Munich game is part of the NFL’s effort to expand its global footprint, bringing American football to European fans. While the spectacle offers exposure for the sport, injuries like Maye’s underscore the physical toll of the game, especially in a high‑stakes environment far from home.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
