Drake Maye injury update: NFL insider reveals latest on Patriots QB vs. Titans

Drake Maye remains in concussion protocol heading into Week 9, but there is some optimism he’ll get cleared by kickoff.

The New England Patriots rookie quarterback took a hit to the head during Week 8’s 25-22 home win over the New York Jets. The 2024 No. 3 overall pick suffered the head injury after scrambling for 18 yards on the Patriots’ third offensive drive of the game. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed the latest on Maye’s status heading into Sunday.

“Well, he’s gone through most of the five steps because he’s been on the practice field as a limited participant in practices,” Fowler said on SportsCenter on Saturday morning. “So there’s at least some optimism. I’m sensing that he can get through this, but the fifth step is crucial because you’ve got to get clear by that independent neurologist.

“So this is not like a normal injury, of course, where you can just try to heal up. They have to see how that process goes. They’ve got Jacoby Brissett ready to go as a backup but [the Patriots] sense that Drake Maye is going to be able to go. So we’ll see how it shakes out. Big matchup with Tennessee, of course, New England’s trying to get its third win Tennessee’s trying to get its second win, possibly with [another injured quarterback] Will Levis.”

The NFL concussion protocol goes through five phases — Symtom-Limited Activity (Phase 1), Aerobic Exercise (Phase 2), Football-Specific Exercises (Phase 3), Club-Based Non-Contact Training Drills (Phase 4) and Full Football Activity/Clearance (Phase 5).

It appears that Maye has progressed through the first four phases without issue and by the time kickoff rolls around, it will be clear whether or not Maye will suit up, although Fowler believes he’ll be under center against the Titans.

Kickoff between New England and Tennessee is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET and will air live on FOX.