Jerod Mayo provides important update on Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye

FOXBORO — Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol Friday, but head coach Jerod Mayo would not rule him out for Sunday’s game against the Titans.

Mayo announced before practice that Maye would be limited in Friday’s session. Maye was also limited on Wednesday and Thursday.

Based on comments Mayo made on Wednesday, Maye started the practice week in Phase 3 of 5 of the concussion protocol.

Mayo said he didn’t want to get into hypotheticals when asked if he felt like it was realistic that Maye could be cleared by Sunday.

“Look, any given day, any given player can just wake up with something and not be able to play,” Mayo said. “I will say this, look if he can’t play, we have enough confidence and faith in (veteran QB Jacoby Brissett) to be able to step in and help us win.”

Mayo was also asked if the Patriots could wait until gameday to make their decision about who will start between Maye and Brissett.

“Once (Maye) gets out of the protocol and he’s been cleared by the medical professionals, he’ll be ready to go,” Mayo said.

Here are the NFL’s concussion protocol phases:

Phase 1: Symptom limited activity

“The player is prescribed rest, limiting or, if necessary, avoiding activities (both physical and cognitive) which increase or aggravate symptoms. Under athletic training staff supervision, limited stretching and balance training can be introduced, progressing to light aerobic exercise, all as tolerated.”

Phase 2: Aerobic exercise

“Under direct oversight of the team’s medical staff, the player should begin graduated cardiovascular exercise and may also engage in dynamic stretching and balance training. Neurocognitive and balance testing can be administered after completion of Phase Two and the results should be interpreted as back to baseline.”

Phase 3: Football-specific exercise

“The player continues with supervised cardiovascular exercises that are increased and may mimic sport-specific activities, and supervised strength training is introduced. The player is allowed to practice with the team in sport-specific exercise for 30 minutes or less with ongoing and careful monitoring.”

Phase 4: Club-based non-contact training

“The player continues cardiovascular, strength and balance training, team-based sports-specific exercise, and participates in non-contact football activities (e.g.throwing, catching, running, and other position-specific activities). Neurocognitive and balance testing should be completed no later than the end of Phase Four with the results interpreted as back to baseline.”

Phase 5: Full football activity

“Upon clearance by the Club physician for full football activity involving contact, the player must be examined by the Independent Neurological Consultant (INC) assigned to his Club. If the INC concurs with the Club physician that the player’s concussion has resolved, he may participate in his Club’s next practice or game.”