Drake Maye injury: NFL concussion protocol explained, return timeline, more

The New England Patriots celebrated their second win of the season on Sunday, defeating the New York Jets with a final score of 25-22. The win was impressive considering the team spent most of the afternoon without its starting quarterback.

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye made his third career start and opened the game in solid fashion. However, during a scramble late in the first quarter, he took an unexpected helmet-to-helmet hit and was ultimately forced to leave the game.

Maye was forced out of the rest of the competition shortly afterwards due to a concussion. This also means that the 22-year-old now finds himself in the NFL's concussion protocol.

He's not the first Patriot at the position this season; Fellow rookie Ja'Lynn Polk, for example, missed Sunday's game for exactly the same reason. However, given Maye's short- and long-term importance to the organization, now is a good time to revisit how the league's concussion protocol works and what it means for the young quarterback and his team.

Here's how the NFL concussion protocol works

Head injuries are arguably the biggest concern in the NFL and football in general right now. The league has recognized this and implemented several measures over the years to increase safety for players. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the introduction of measures such as the concussion protocol has created a more sane environment compared to 10 or 20 years ago.

As for the protocol itself, it comes into effect if a player shows or self-reports signs of a head injury. Once that happens, the team's medical staff and non-league neurotrauma consultants – three of whom are assigned to each game – take further steps.

In Maye's case, this happened four times after he caught the aforementioned helmet-to-helmet hit. Why he wasn't immediately taken out of the game even though he was a bit slow to get up is unclear and is still one of the shortcomings of the current rules.

Regardless, Maye was evaluated after the Patriots' series ended. He went into the blue medical tent and later retreated to the locker room.

As part of the medical evaluation, treating doctors will carry out a series of tests, including checking eyes, speech, spine and cognitive abilities. In addition, the game itself will also be reviewed to determine whether the player in question will be cleared to return to play or not. Maye obviously wasn't.

This now enters the next phase of the protocol, which brings us to our second question

What this means for the Patriots and Drake Maye

After Maye was placed in the concussion protocol on Sunday, she must be cleared by medical professionals before she can return to practice for another game. Both the Patriots' own staff, led by Dr. Scott Martin and an independent neurological consultant must give the green light for a comeback.

The next step toward that goal will come Monday with a follow-up exam to determine if the symptoms displayed in the game have worsened. The results of these tests, as well as other factors such as personal history of head injuries, will determine how to proceed.

However, the NFL's return to participation protocol outlines five steps Maye must go through:

Phase 1: Symptom-limited activity. Maye will be prescribed rest and limitation and/or avoidance of physical and cognitive activities that increase the risk of worsening symptoms. Limited stretching and balance training may be introduced under the supervision of the athletic trainer, then progressing to light aerobic exercise. Maye may attend meetings and film studies as medical staff permits.

Phase 2: Aerobic exercise. During this phase, Maye can begin graduated cardiovascular exercises under the supervision of the Patriots' medical staff. This includes riding a stationary bike or treadmill as well as some stretching and balance training.

Phase 3: Soccer-specific exercise. Cardiovascular exercises and sport-specific activities are part of this phase. Maye may also do some strength training, all under supervision.

Phase 4: Non-contact training exercises. This essentially builds on Phases 2 and 3, meaning Maye is allowed to continue cardiovascular, strength and balance training while introducing team-based, sport-specific drills and non-contact soccer activities.

Phase 5: Full Soccer Activity/Release. At this time, Maye will be fully cleared to resume her soccer activities including full contact. If both the team doctor and the independent neurological consultant agree, he may take part in the next game or training session.

Despite this clear structure, there is no set timetable for a player's return from a concussion. As a result, every option is currently on the table for Maye and the Patriots – from returning to this week's contest against the Tennessee Titans to sitting out multiple games.