New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye left Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions with an ankle injury, and a former NFL team doctor believes it is a mild high ankle sprain.

Maye was sacked by Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson on third-and-goal from the Detroit 15-yard line during New England’s opening drive. He limped off the field and headed to the locker room for evaluation.

The Patriots initially listed the 24-year-old as questionable to return. They later ruled him out for the remainder of the contest, with backup Tommy DeVito taking over the offense.

Physician David J. Chao, known as ProFootballDoc, reviewed video of the tackle and shared his assessment on X shortly after Maye exited.

“By video, mild right high ankle sprain,” Chao wrote.

He added that Maye’s ankle was “caught at end of tackle.”

High ankle sprains damage the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula above the ankle joint. These injuries can limit a player’s ability to push off, cut and move without discomfort.

A mild high ankle sprain typically requires two to four weeks of recovery. Uncomplicated cases among NFL players have a median return time of about 27 days, according to recent injury data analyses.

Chao’s view came from video review only, not a hands-on medical exam. The Patriots have confirmed an ankle injury but have not released an official diagnosis of a high ankle sprain or any recovery timeline.

Before departing, Maye completed three of four passes for 48 yards and rushed once for 11 yards on the opening possession. Kicker Andy Borregales closed the drive with a 33-yard field goal.

Hutchinson also appeared to injure his knee while celebrating the sack.

Maye had started all nine games for New England this season. He completed 178 of 272 passes for 2,282 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, with a 65.4 percent completion rate and a 96.8 passer rating.

The Patriots entered the Munich matchup at 5-4 after a 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers the previous week.

The timing of the injury offers some relief, as New England has its bye in Week 11. That gives Maye extra recovery time before the team’s next contest.

The Patriots are scheduled to visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 29. Whether Maye can play in that game remains unclear until further medical evaluation is complete.

Team doctors will determine the exact severity once imaging and examinations are finished. Chao’s early video-based take provides one possible explanation, but official findings will dictate the next steps for the starting quarterback.