Patriots QB Drake Maye Cleared to Return After Scary Head Injury Against Chargers

The rookie quarterback briefly left the game in the first quarter following a helmet-to-helmet hit but has since been medically cleared to play.

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.