FOXBORO — Patriots quarterback Drake Maye left the first half of Sunday’s win over the Jets with a concussion and has entered the league’s concussion protocol, coach Jerod Mayo confirmed post-game.
Mayo first reported the concussion during a halftime interview with CBS, then told reporters after the 25-22 win that he saw his rookie quarterback wanted to return to play.
“I walked in at halftime and saw him. The competitor that he is, obviously he wanted to go back out there and play. But there’s a protocol that he has to go through,” Mayo said. “Again, can’t wait to get him back.”
Maye appeared to sustain the concussion at the end of an 18-yard scramble in the first quarter. He absorbed a blow to the back of his helmet from Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, then remained on the ground for a few seconds. Maye finished the drive, which four plays later resulted in a punt.
The rookie was then escorted into the sideline medical tent, where he stayed for a few minutes and eventually departed for the locker room. Mayo was asked if he felt any surprise that the helmet-to-helmet hit was not flagged as a penalty.
“They didn’t call it,” he said. “I had conversations with them the entire game. I thought some of those calls were questionable. At the same time I have to go back and watch the film. We’ll have those conversations.”
Patriots veteran Jacoby Brissett replaced Maye and went 15-of-24 for 132 yards. Brissett led a game-winning drive inside the last three minutes of regulation, which ended with a 1-yard Rhamondre Stevenson touchdown run.
“Yeah, obviously you never want to see a player go down. Obviously (I’m) hoping Drake gets back,” Brissett said.” I think it was a good win, fighting through adversity.”
Maye finished 3-of-6 for 23 yards, plus 46 yards rushing off of scrambles, including a 17-yard touchdown run. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers praised the rookie after the game.
“I think he was doing a nice job on his feet. He’s obviously super athletic. He made a nice run for a touchdown,” Rodgers said. “I don’t know what happened to him. But he’s been playing good the last couple weeks. It’s tough on a rookie quarterback coming in, but it seems like he’s getting more comfortable.”
The Patriots and Jets have now concluded their season series. The Pats will return to action next weekend at Tennessee. Sunday’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m. from Nashville.
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