There is no doubt that Drake Maye gives the Patriots the best chance to win. Even though veteran backup Jacoby Brisset engineered a dramatic 25-22 win over the Jets in Week 8 after Maye left the game with a concussion, the Patriots need their talented rookie signal-caller healthy.
And the way things have looked in practice for Maye the last couple of days, signs appear to be pointing to him starting Sunday's game against the Titans in Tennessee. There are five steps in the NFL's concussion protocol that Maye needs to clear before the team gives him the green light, but Maye has appeared to have a good week of practice.
While Maye was limited in practice on Oct. 30, head coach Jerod Mayo expressed confidence his quarterback would be 100 percent ready to go if the NFL gave him the clearance to suit up. On Thursday and Friday, Maye took first-team reps in practice even though he was still limited, which is a telling sign that he's probably going to clear protocol and be good to go.
Patriots QB Drake Maye trending toward playing in Week 9 vs. Titans
Drake Maye was moving well today pic.twitter.com/vuQhDLOVhg
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) November 1, 2024
ESPN reporter Mike Reiss posted a clip from practice that showed Maye moving well and showing off his right arm.
We can't assume anything with concussion protocol and the seriousness with which the NFL takes it. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has urged Maye to keep using his legs but to be mindful of how he slides, as Jamien Sherwood of the Jets nailed Maye in the head from behind on the scramble that ultimately caused him to leave the game. That shouldn't deter Maye from continuing to play his game and help his team try to win.
This injury was certainly a road bump in Maye's development, but there's nothing better than overcoming adversity, especially as a rookie.
We should remember Maye wanted to return to the game against the Jets, but the Patriots were not about to risk the new face of the franchise. With concussions it is always better to be safe than sorry. But, each day in practice this week, things have been looking up and up and up and we shouldn't be surprised if Maye is under center in Nashville on Sunday.