Multiple Head Hits, a Mysterious Knee Issue, and a Hand Injury—What Really Happened to Drake Maye in 2024?

Drake Maye’s rookie campaign in 2024 was filled with promise, flashes of elite potential—and a troubling series of injuries that flew under the radar. Now, with the 2025 season on the horizon, fans and analysts are taking a closer look at what the young Patriots quarterback endured in his first year. What they’re uncovering is a string of injuries that, while underreported at the time, could shape how New England manages Maye moving forward.

One of the most visible injuries came in Week 8 of the 2024 season, when Maye took a brutal helmet-to-helmet hit from Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood. The rookie had just scrambled for an 18-yard gain when the hit sent him to the turf. Although no penalty was called, Maye was removed from the game and entered concussion protocol. He would return the following week, but questions lingered about whether he had fully recovered—or whether his competitive drive masked the seriousness of the incident.

That wasn’t the only blow to the head. In Week 17, during a hard-fought game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Maye again took a violent hit—this time near the sideline from cornerback Cam Hart. Though he briefly left the field, he returned, later referring to the moment as just getting his “bell rung.” But two head injuries in one season, particularly for a rookie quarterback, raised red flags about long-term health risks.

Even more concerning was the mysterious knee injury that appeared on the injury report before a Week 7 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Maye was listed as a full participant in practice and played in the game, the team never explained the injury’s origin. Was it something lingering from college? A tweak from training camp? Fans were left guessing, as the Patriots offered no details.

And in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills, Maye showed up on the injury report again—this time with a right-hand issue. He started the game, but reports indicated he had been limited in practice. Again, little was said publicly, but it was the fourth notable physical concern in less than half a season.

Taken together, these injuries reveal a larger pattern: a tough, determined player fighting to stay on the field at all costs, and a franchise hesitant to share the full picture. While Maye’s grit earned admiration, the cumulative wear and tear raises questions about how he’ll be protected going forward.

Heading into 2025, Patriots leadership will need to be more transparent and proactive about Maye’s health. Because if last season taught us anything, it’s that even the strongest rookie can’t carry a franchise without being fully protected—physically and strategically.