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Patriots HC Jerod Mayo's comments suggest Drake Maye is further along in the NFL's concussion protocol than expected

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sophie Weller | Last updated Oct 30, 2024 2:36 PM ET

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo gave an update on Drake Maye's status after the rookie quarterback exited Sunday's game with a concussion.

"Drake is in the protocol and he will be a limited participant at practice," Mayo said. "He will throw the ball at times in practice today."

He later clarified that Mayo will not be able to practice for more than 30 minutes, meaning he is in the third phase out of five, of the concussion protocol.

"The player continues with supervised cardiovascular exercises that are increased and may mimic sport-specific activities, and supervised strength training is introduced. The player is allowed to practice with the team in sport-specific exercise for 30 minutes or less with ongoing and careful monitoring," the NFL says for step three on their five-step concussion protocol.

NFL five-step concussion protocolNFL.com

"There are people a lot smarter than me as far as clearing people with concussions, and we'll lean on our medical professionals, and also the NFL league policy, as far as getting him ready to play," Mayo explained.

"I do have confidence that as soon as the league says he's ready to play, that he will be able to go out there and operate. In saying that, I feel very comfortable putting Jacoby in there, as he is a professional and always stays ready, as you can see from that last game.

Mayo wouldn't speculate when asked if Maye would be starting if he's cleared, but did say that if it's Brissett, Joe Milton will serve as the backup.

Maye will need to clear phase four and five to be ready to go this weekend.

Phase 4: Club Based Non-Contact Training Drills
"The Player continues cardiovascular, strength and balance training team-based sports-specific exercise, and participates in non-contact football activities (e.g. throwing, catching, running, and other position-specific activities). Neurocognitive and balance testing should be completed no later than the end of Phase Four with the results interpreted as back to baseline."

Phase 5: Full Football Activity/Clearance
"Upon clearance by the Club physician for full football activity involving contact, the player must be examined by the Independent Neurological Consultant (INC) assigned to his Club. If the INC concurs with the Club physician that the player's concussion has resolved, he may participate in his Club's next practice or game."

After suffering the hit to the head, Maye remained in the game and "actually threw a couple of dimes," according to Mayo.

But the call came from above, and he headed into the blue medical tent before exiting for the locker room. He was ultimately ruled out at halftime.

Here’s that hit Drake Maye took to the head.#Patriots pic.twitter.com/R1EL4B0L7a
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) October 27, 2024

"I walked in at halftime and saw him. The competitor that he is, obviously he wanted to go back out there and play," Mayo told reporters on Sunday. "But there’s a protocol that he has to go through.

"Again, can’t wait to get him back."

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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