Overview

• Drake Maye, the Patriots' rookie quarterback, suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of the Week 17 game against the Chargers.
• The hit, delivered by Chargers cornerback Cam Hart, was not penalized despite its severity, leaving Maye momentarily on the ground before walking off under his own power.
• Maye was evaluated in the medical tent and initially listed as questionable to return but has since been cleared to re-enter the game, according to head coach Jerod Mayo.
• This marks the second head injury for Maye this season; he previously suffered a concussion in Week 8 during a game against the Jets.
• The Chargers, fighting to secure a playoff spot, entered the game with a 9-6 record and could clinch a postseason berth with a win.