Even after beating the much-despised New York Jets and four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, the New England Patriots couldn’t celebrate too much.
First-round draft pick Drake Maye left the game in the first half after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit during a run. He was put into the NFL’s concussion protocol, and it’s unclear when he might return.
Coach Jerod Mayo mentioned that Maye’s situation was “above my pay grade.” An NFL player in concussion protocol must be cleared by an independent neurological consultant before playing again.
“I’m not going to get too much into that, as far as Drake questions,” Mayo said on Monday, the day after New England ended a six-game losing streak by beating the Jets 25-22.
Maye scored his first NFL rushing touchdown by outpacing New York linebacker Chazz Surratt on a 17-yard run. He attempted to slide near the end of the first quarter but was hit by New York linebacker Jamien Sherwood.
Maye completed the series, taking a sack and throwing two incomplete passes. Mayo said trainer Jim Whalen informed him that Maye needed to go to the medical tent for evaluation.
“I was surprised,” the coach said. “He threw a couple of good balls afterward, and I thought he was still pretty sharp in those regards. But obviously, it’s above my pay grade as far as pulling him out of the game and putting him in the protocol.”
Maye did not talk to reporters after the game. Jacoby Brissett stepped in for him and led the team on two scoring drives in the fourth quarter, setting up the game-winning touchdown with just 22 seconds remaining.
