NASHVILLE, Tenn. — New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has cleared the concussion protocol and will start Sunday’s road game against the Tennessee Titans, the team announced Saturday.
Maye entered the protocol in the second quarter of the Patriots’ 25-22 win over the New York Jets last Sunday. He was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week.
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 draft, Maye was named the Patriots’ starter in Week 6 after veteran Jacoby Brissett opened the year as the top quarterback. Maye has helped spark what had been a stagnant offense, going 53-of-84 for 564 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. He has added 13 rushes for 114 yards and one touchdown.
On an 18-yard scramble in the first quarter last week, Maye was about to slide at the end of the run when Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood’s helmet made contact with the back of Maye’s helmet. Maye was slow to get up but remained in the game for four more plays.
After Maye came to the sideline following a punt, the NFL’s independent spotter for concussions asked for the quarterback to be evaluated, according to coach Jerod Mayo. Brissett took over the rest of the game and helped lead the team to a comeback win, with Mayo saying Maye told him at halftime that he had hoped to return in the second half.
Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said Thursday that the Patriots don’t want to limit Maye’s running but stressed awareness to him when he does take off.
“You hate to take that away from a player. That’s a strength of his, the ability to move out of the pocket,” Van Pelt said. “The one thing we talked about was being safe in the slide. Often times you get into space and feel like you’re clean and you can go feet first, which is what we coach in open space. But you never know what’s coming behind. So the quarterbacks that avoid injury often times will find a soft place by going head first and getting down in that regard.
“It’s something we continue to work with, with him — understanding of what’s around you in those situations. But ultimately we go into every game asking him to protect the ball and protect himself. That goes for every quarterback.”
Against the Titans (1-6), the Patriots (2-6) are looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since October 2022.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff Writer
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this engaging interview on Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mike Reiss, an esteemed NFL reporter at ESPN who has closely followed the New England Patriots for over two decades. Mike, thank you for joining us today.
Mike Reiss: Thanks for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the Patriots and the NFL.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the pressing news. Drake Maye has cleared concussion protocol and is set to start against the Tennessee Titans. Can you tell us more about his journey back and what he brings to the team?
Mike Reiss: Absolutely. Drake Maye has been a breath of fresh air for the Patriots’ offense. After having to sit out due to the concussion protocol following a tough game against the Jets, the fact that he’s been cleared to start is a relief — not just for the team, but for fans who have seen the potential he brings to the table. He was drafted third overall in the 2024 draft for a reason.
Editor: Maye’s stats since becoming the starter are impressive. Could you elaborate on how his performance has revitalized the Patriots’ offense?
Mike Reiss: Certainly! Since he took over as the starter in Week 6, his numbers are so encouraging — 53-of-84 passing for 564 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions, plus he’s added a rushing touchdown. His dual-threat capability is what really distinguishes him; he’s not just a pocket passer. He can extend plays with his legs, as shown in his 18-yard scramble against the Jets. This versatility has injected new life into an offense that was struggling earlier in the season.
Editor: Speaking of struggles, the Patriots have had a rocky start. How significant is this turnaround under Maye’s leadership?
Mike Reiss: It’s huge. The Patriots have faced their share of challenges this season, particularly on offense. Jacoby Brissett, although a solid veteran, wasn’t able to ignite the same energy. Maye’s arrival has seemed to spark a sense of confidence in both the team and the fanbase. The offense is more dynamic now, and that level of confidence can be infectious throughout the entire roster.
Editor: Given Maye’s rookie status, are there specific attributes or skills that you believe have helped him ease into this starting role?
Mike Reiss: Definitely. One of his standout attributes is his poise under pressure. He seems to have a good command of the offense, reads the field well, and doesn’t panic when he’s under duress. On top of that, his work ethic and practice habits have impressed coaches and teammates alike. He’s also not shy about using his legs to create plays, which adds another dimension to the game plan.
Editor: As they prepare to face the Titans, what do you think will be the key factors for Maye and the Patriots to secure a win?
Mike Reiss: Good question! The key will likely be balancing their run game with their passing attack. If Maye can continue to check down and take what the defense gives him, while also incorporating the run — particularly with some designed quarterback runs — they’ll keep the Titans’ defense guessing. Also, maintaining solid protection from the offensive line will be crucial; that gives Maye the time he needs to make plays downfield.
Editor: Before we wrap up, can you share how you see Maye’s future with the Patriots moving forward?
Mike Reiss: If he keeps building on this momentum, I think he could establish himself as a franchise quarterback. The Patriots need consistency, and while it’s early in his career, Maye’s showing the promise that fans and analysts alike are excited about. If he can stay healthy and avoid injuries, we could be looking at a bright future for both him and the organization.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Mike! It’s been a pleasure having you on.
Mike Reiss: My pleasure! Thanks for having me, and I look forward to seeing how the season unfolds.