New England will have its rookie QB back as it strives for its first winning streak since Week 9 of 2022.
Drake Maye has cleared concussion protocol and was taken off the injury report on Saturday, the team announced, clearing the way for his return to the starting lineup for this season's Week 9 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported that Maye is traveling with the team and is expected to start in Tennessee after passing the final hurdle of concussion protocol. He was limited in practice in all three sessions preceding Sunday's game.
Maye suffered the concussion in the first half of last week's 25-22 win over the New York Jets, and although backup Jacoby Brissett was steady guiding the Patriots to victory, the team will be happy for the dynamic lift its first-rounder is able to provide offensively.
The 2024 No. 3 overall pick has thrown for 564 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions while also running for 114 yards and another score. Since taking the mantle from Brissett in Week 6, he's delivered New England its only two outings with 200-plus passing yards in each of the games he's played start to finish.
Maye has aired it out more efficiently than a very conservative Brissett, who has tossed just two TDs despite having nearly double the rookie's 84 attempts (159). Maye has averaged 1.5 more yards on his attempts and has 10.6 yards per completion compared to Brissett's 8.8. His 92.6 passer rating is also superior to his teammate's 74.6.
Even amid Maye's still-ongoing maturation, such a difference in a game played on the margins should better serve the Pats against the NFL's top-ranked passing and total defense.
Maye is still seeking his first career win, but if he finds one against the Titans it'll be the Patriots' second straight and third overall to keep their season just barely afloat.
New England (2-6) and Tennessee (1-6) kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
