Drake Maye returns from head injury to set new Patriots franchise record
FOXBORO -- New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye had to leave Saturday's 40-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers after suffering a head injury on the team's first drive, but he only missed on series and returned to set a new Patriots franchise record.
Maye was deemed questionable to return with his head injury in the first quarter, but was cleared the the NFL returned to the game in the second. On his first play, Maye scrambled -- and slid -- for nine yards, show no lingering signs of the head injury.
After the Chargers took a 17-0 lead in the second quarter -- scoring a touchdown a few plays after a Maye fumble -- the rookie quarterback led New England on a five-play, 73-yard touchdown drive that included another highlight from the 22-year-old.
The Patriots got a free play after Los Angeles' Bud Dupree jumped offsides, and Maye took full advantage. He launched a bomb downfield to DeMario Douglas for a 36-yard touchdown.
"We worked on it this week, and just wanted to give those guys a chance when we know we've got a penalty to give those guys a chance," Maye said of the touchdown. "A negative play on a free play doesn't hurt, and I think the biggest thing is not to take a hit, so I tried to get it off before I took a hit, and Pop made a great play."
It's the eighth straight game that Maye has thrown a touchdown, setting a new franchise rookie record for New England. Jim Plunkett held the previous record with a TD pass in seven straight games for the Patriots during the 1971 season.
Drake Maye's head injury vs. Chargers
While Patriots fans will love watching that highlight, there was a scary scene with Maye earlier in the game.
Maye went scrambling on a third-and-4 on New England's first possession, and was absolutely smoked by L.A. cornerback Cam Hart near the sideline after stepping out of bounds. Hart's helmet made contact with Maye's as the quarterback tried a spin move, and there was no flag on the play as the quarterback was a runner and Hart didn't lead with the crown of his helmet.
"Sometimes you get your bell rung, and you've got to shake back. I guess the spotter called down again and had to pass some tests. I feel good, I still feel good, and then I was good to go," Maye said after the loss.
It was an unfortunate play for Maye, who needs to learn to go down before taking such a hit. He did so on his first play after returning.
The quarterback remained on the ground for a few moments and was slow to get up after the hit. Maye went to the sideline under his owner power and sat next to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt on the bench, before making his way to the blue medical tent on the sideline.
When Maye was done in the medical tent, he went to the New England locker room for further evaluation. The team announced a short time later that Maye was questionable to return with a head injury.
Jacoby Brissett took over at quarterback for New England's second possession, but the Patriots punted it away after a quick three-and-out. Maye returned to the sideline while the Patriots' defense was on the field, with New England trailing 7-0.
Drake Maye's previous head injury
Head injuries are becoming a bit of a concern with the 22-year-old, as the Patriots have gone above and beyond to try and keep Maye out of harm's way.
Maye suffered a concussion earlier in the year, which knocked him out of New England's Week 8 win over the New York Jets. He ended up clearing the NFL's concussion protocol during the following week and was back under center for the Patriots in Week 9 against Tennessee.
At least this time, the rookie only missed a single series for the Patriots. But Maye needs to do a better job protecting himself when he decides to take off running.
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