New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett played just one series in the final exhibition game of the season on Sunday night.

The early pull was the plan that had already been drawn up, and not because of the heavy hit Brissett took on a first-down sack by Washington Commanders edge rusher KJ Henry, which appeared to cause some discomfort in the QB’s right shoulder.

“No, that was the plan. We were going to let Jacoby play a series or two and bring Drake in. He could have played through,” head coach Jerod Mayo said after the game. “I talked to him. We’ll see tomorrow. You’re always a little stiffer the next day, but he said he was good. We’ll see tomorrow.”

With Brissett out of the game, Drake Maye played the next five series to close out the first half. The rookie led New England’s only touchdown drive of the night while again impressing by making plays with his arm and legs.

After the game, Mayo was asked if the rookie would be ready to replace Brissett if a similar situation arose during the regular season. However, the coach would not promise that the rookie would play, despite potentially revealing his position on the depth chart.

“I’d like to sit here and say 100 percent. He’s our second-best quarterback on our roster right now,” Mayo said. “I’m not sure (if he’d play). I won’t know for sure until I see the film.”

New England’s front office and coaching staff will now decide which quarterback will start Week 1 in Cincinnati. All signs continue to point to Brissett (if he’s healthy), leaving Maye to wait and learn how to open the season.

“I think I would feel ready (to play Week 1),” Maye said after Sunday’s game. “I’m ready for whatever this football team asks of me and ready to go out there and help us beat the Bengals in Week 1.”

While they make their final decision in the coming days, the offensive line – which Mayo called a “concern” after being assessed 10 penalties Sunday night – will not impact the final choice.

“We always say, look, the best players are going to play, whether it’s quarterback or offensive line. It doesn’t matter. We’re going to field the best players,” Mayo said.