The New England Patriots offense started its Week 17 game against the Los Angeles Chargers in the worst possible fashion. Not only did the unit go three-and-out to end its first possession, it also saw stating quarterback Drake Maye get shaken up on a scramble. Maye decided to take off on a 3rd-and-4 and while fighting for extra yards absorbed an unflagged hit to the head.
The 22-year-old briefly remained on the ground, and despite jogging off the field under his own power headed straight to the blue medical tent for further evaluation. He later left the field for the locker room, and was announced by the team as questionable to return due to a head injury. Earlier this season, Maye was removed from the Patriots’ Week 8 win over the New York Jets following a similar play.
At the time, the first-round draft pick was placed in concussion protocol, with veteran Jacoby Brissett taking over. Brissett also entered the Patriots’ game against the Chargers as the backup behind Maye. The offseason pickup started the team’s first five games of the season, but was benched in favor of the rookie quarterback in Week 6.
This story will be updated..