Jacoby Brissett has not yet been officially named the Patriots’ starting quarterback for Week 1, but after the season finale, head coach Jerod Mayo indicated that Brissett would start ahead of Drake Maye.
When asked if Maye would enter the final preseason game following Brissett’s shoulder injury, Mayo said he would have no problem with Maye being just one Brissett injury away from playing in two weeks – but he made it clear that he still views Maye as the No. 2, as he has been throughout the preseason.
“He’s our second-best quarterback on our roster right now,” Mayo said of Maye.
Mayo said Brissett could have continued playing despite his shoulder injury in the final preseason game and that the plan from the beginning was to take him out of the game after the first possession.
“That was the plan,” Mayo said. “He could have continued.”
Mayo said he was pleased with Maye’s preseason performance and said the quarterback who gives the Patriots the best chance to beat the Bengals will start in Week 1.
“The best players will play. Whether it’s quarterback or offensive line, we will use the best players,” Mayo said.
Mayo said he expects to name a starter by Monday night, but nothing is set in stone.
“I reserve the right to change my mind,” Mayo said.
