Maye remains in concussion protocol after leaving Sunday’s game against the Jets.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye remain in concussion protocol, but his head coach gave an encouraging update on Wednesday morning.
Speaking to reporters, Jerod Mayo said that Maye would be back at Patriots practice later on Wednesday. While his participation would not exceed 30 minutes, he would be able to throw the football “a bit” as part of trying to work his way back.
“Drake is in the protocol. He is in the protocol, and he will be a limited participant today in practice,” Mayo said. “In saying that, he will throw the ball at times in practice today but he will be limited.”
While nor specifically saying as much, Mayo’s statements indicate that Maye is in the third phase of the NFL’s return-to-participation protocol, A player diagnosed with a concussion needs to go through five phases before being able to practice fully or return to game action.
Maye, 22, originally entered concussion protocol during the Patriots’ win over the New York Jets on Sunday. The first-round rookie was pulled from the game in the early second quarter after absorbing a helmet-to-helmet hit on a scramble run. And while he was hopeful he would be able to reenter the game, he eventually was ruled out at the half.
With Maye absent, the Patriots turned to former starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The veteran led New England to a 25-22 victory, and is in line to start on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in case Maye is not cleared in time.