Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots may have to face the Tennessee Titans without rookie quarterback Drake Maye, as head coach Jerod Mayo provided an update indicating that Maye remains in concussion protocol following a helmet-to-helmet hit in last week’s 25-22 win over the New York Jets. The injury has prevented Maye from practicing fully, and while he’s occasionally throwing in limited sessions, his status for Sunday remains uncertain, per WMUR9. Should Maye be unable to play, veteran Jacoby Brissett is set to start under center.
Maye suffered the concussion while scrambling for a first down, taking a hit to the back of the head from Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood. Though the rookie attempted to return by halftime, he was ultimately benched following an evaluation by the NFL’s spotter. The Patriots ended a six-game losing streak in that game, with Brissett stepping in and delivering a steady 15-for-24 performance, tallying 132 yards and orchestrating two fourth-quarter scoring drives to secure the win.
Mayo has voiced confidence in the league’s concussion policy and in Brissett’s readiness. “There are people a lot smarter than me, as far as clearing people with concussions. We’ll lean on our medical professionals—and also the NFL league policy—as far as getting [Maye] ready to play,” Mayo said. He also praised Brissett’s professionalism: “Having a veteran quarterback like Jacoby puts us at ease.”
Mayo’s frustrations with officiating last week also raised eyebrows, as he criticized what he felt were “questionable” calls, likely referencing the lack of a penalty on the hit to Maye. As the team awaits final word on Maye’s clearance, the Patriots will prepare Brissett to lead them once again.
