Drake Maye, the quarterback for the New England Patriots, has been cleared to play and will start in Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. This announcement came from the team on Saturday, following Maye’s recovery from a concussion sustained during last week’s game against the New York Jets. Maye entered the concussion protocol in the second quarter after taking a hit while attempting a slide on a scramble, but he has since participated in limited practices throughout the week.
As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye has made a significant impact since becoming the Patriots’ starting quarterback in Week 6. He took over the role from veteran Jacoby Brissett and has invigorated the team’s offense. In his time as the starter, Maye has completed 53 of 84 passes for 564 yards, along with five touchdown passes and two interceptions. Additionally, his mobility has been an asset, as he has rushed for 114 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries.
The injury that led Maye to enter the concussion protocol occurred when he was hit by Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood while attempting to slide after a scramble. Although he showed signs of the injury, he remained in the game for a few more plays before being evaluated on the sidelines. Coach Jerod Mayo reported that an independent NFL spotter recommended the assessment, which ultimately resulted in Brissett finishing the game and leading the Patriots to victory.
In anticipation of Maye’s return to the field, Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has emphasized the importance of safety while still allowing Maye to utilize his running ability. Van Pelt acknowledged that avoiding injury during plays is crucial, especially when quarterbacks attempt to make plays with their legs. He has stressed to Maye the need for awareness when sliding and being mindful of the potential for hits, as maintaining health is essential for both performance and safety.
As the Patriots prepare to face the Titans, who are currently struggling with a 1-6 record, the team aims to secure its first back-to-back wins since October 2022. With Maye back in the lineup, the Patriots hope to build on their recent success and improve their season record of 2-6. This matchup is an important opportunity for both Maye and the Patriots as they strive for a positive turnaround in their season.
