Latest Drake Maye injury update after hit to the head vs. Chargers

The Patriots' Week 17 game against the Chargers was off to a solid start, as the defense forced their opponent to punt on their first offensive drive. It was a much better early showing from the group which has struggled throughout the season, allowing the Patriots' offense to get Drake Maye and Co. on the field ASAP.

Things were trucking along for the rookie quarterback until he scrambled on 3rd down and was hit by cornerback Cam Hart, appearing to be a helmet-to-helmet hit that was not flagged.

Maye was slow to get up after the play, and once he did, he gingerly jogged to the sideline, creating a lot of concern about his well-being.

Not long after, he was seen heading into the medical tent, spending several minutes there until the broadcast showed the quarterback heading to the locker room.

The game is a little over halfway through the first quarter, and the Patriots have seemingly lost their quarterback for the day. It's not the development any team would want in Week 17, nor against an opponent that should be beatable.

More updates will be provided here regarding Maye's status as they are released.

UPDATES:

After returning to the sideline, Maye was seen talking with Jacoby Brissett and other wide receivers. Jerod Mayo was then interviewed about the situation, revealing Maye was cleared to get back in the game.

After heading to the locker room in the first quarter, during which the defense gave up the first touchdown of the day, putting the Patriots down 0-7 early, Maye returned to the field and took a spot on the bench.

His status for the rest of the game isn't known yet, but it's a good sign that he returned as quickly as he did, which is not something that happened earlier in the season when he suffered a head injury.

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