Patriots Starting Quarterback Leaves With Injury

The New England Patriots may be approaching a full-blown crisis at the game's most important position. After leading his team to a field goal on the opening drive, Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer left the team's Week 4 contest against the Green Bay Packers on the following drive due to a head injury.

Patriots injury update: QB Brian Hoyer is being evaluated for a head injury.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 2, 2022

Hoyer was slammed to the ground on a third-down sack, his arms pinned against his body and his head bouncing off the turf. He received medical attention on the Patriots' sideline before being escorted to the locker room. He was replaced by third-string quarterback and rookie fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe before being promptly declared out for the remainder of the game.

Patriots QB Brian Hoyer is downgraded to out today with a head injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2022

Hoyer's injury comes at a bad time for the Patriots, who are already short starting quarterback Mac Jones due to a high-ankle sprain suffered in Week 3. Given the NFL's recent commitment to greater diligence with head trauma following Thursday Night Football's frightening Tua Tagovailoa injury, Hoyer's recovery could be subject to greater scrutiny, which could cast into doubt his availability in the near future. Barring a remarkable debut by Zappe, the Patriots could be in for a rough couple of weeks until either Jones or Hoyer are healthy enough to play.