Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye clears concussion protocol, expected to start

BOSTON — Rookie quarterback Drake Maye cleared concussion protocol and was removed from the injury report Saturday, the New England Patriots announced.

Maye is expected to start Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Maye entered concussion protocol in Sunday’s Week 8 win over the New York Jets when he took a helmet-to-helmet shot from linebacker Jamien Sherwood while sliding after a scramble. He stayed in the game for four more plays before the league called down to have him examined for a concussion. Maye initially went into the Patriots’ blue pop-up medical tent on their sideline before departing for the locker room. Initially ruled questionable to return, Maye was ruled out at hafltime.

Maye progressed through concussion protocol and was limited in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. An independent neurological consultant had to clear Maye for his removal from the NFL’s concussion protocol.

He was spotted taking first reps in individual drills during Thursday and Friday’s practices. His workload was limited to 30 minutes in Wednesday’s session, indicating that he started the practice week in Phase 3 of the concussion protocol.

“Once he gets out of the protocol, I think we feel he’s been cleared by the medical professionals,” head coach Jerod Mayo said Friday. “He’ll be ready to go.”

If Maye had not cleared concussion protocol, veteran Jacoby Brissett would have started in his place with Joe Milton III serving as a backup. Brissett led the Patriots to their comeback win over the Jets last Sunday at Gillette Stadium.

Maye had been listed as questionable on Friday. That tag has now been removed.

Sunday’s game against the Titans will be Maye’s fourth career start. He’s completed 63.1% of his passes for 564 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions in three games. He also has 113 rushing yards and one touchdown on 13 scrambles. The Patriots have yet to call a designed run for the third overall pick.

The Patriots face off against the 1-6 Titans, who are coming off of a 52-14 loss to the Lions.

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