Where Patriots see ‘exceptional’ play in Drake Maye’s continued development

FOXBORO — Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye appears to be progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol.

On Wednesday, Maye wasn’t present for the beginning of practice but was expected to participate for 30 minutes or less, according to head coach Jerod Mayo, and was officially listed as “limited,” indicating the rookie was in Phase 3 of the protocol.

He was present for the beginning of practice Thursday and was spotted throwing. That could indicate that the Patriots expect him to practice longer than 30 minutes, which would put him in Phase 4.

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said the Patriots would be “open-minded” with their offensive gameplan this week since it’s out of their control whether Maye or Jacoby Brissett starts at quarterback.

“Very hopeful that things keep going the way they’re trending,” Van Pelt said.

Maye impressed with his arm and legs before exiting the Patriots’ Week 8 win over the Jets with a concussion. He was 3-of-6 for 36 yards passing, but two of his incompletions were drops. He also scrambled three times for 46 yards with a touchdown.

“He’s getting better every week,” Van Pelt said. “Decision-making is exceptional. He knows where to go with the football. Some of the stuff he does in practice, understanding where he’s going to be hot, how to handle some of the pressure issues, that gets better every week. The throws down the field in practice, the accuracy he shows on some of the deeper throws, that’s been there and continues to be there. Just the maturation of a young quarterback, finding something to get better at every week. I thought there were some areas that he could improve on from the London game, and we addressed those during the week. Expect to see those show up as we continue.”