Patriots continue to use Jacoby Brissett as planned starter against Titans; Drake May progresses in concussion protocol

“He will throw the ball occasionally in today’s practice, but his action will be limited,” Mayo said. “There are people a lot smarter than me when it comes to treating people with concussions, and we will rely on our medical professionals as well as NFL league policies to get him ready to play.

“I’m confident that if the league says he’s ready to play, he’ll be able to go out and act. That being said, I feel very comfortable putting Jacoby in there because he’s a professional and he’s always ready, as you saw in the last game.”

May appears to be moving quickly through concussion protocol. Mayo initially did not say what stage of the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol May was in, but he later said Mayo would not practice for more than 30 minutes on Wednesday. which indicates that he is in phase 3.

Considering Wednesday’s training was 72 hours after the first kick, it appears May may be moving in the right direction to play on Sunday.

“I’m confident that if the league says he’s ready to play, (May) will be able to go out and play,” Mayo said.

Phase 3 of the protocol states: “The player-patient is permitted to participate in sport-specific exercises with the team for 30 minutes or less, with ongoing and close monitoring of symptoms by medical personnel.”

If May passes Phase 3, he will still face Phase 4 (Club-based Non-Contact Training) and Phase 5 (Full Football Activity/Release), the latter of which specifies that the player must return to “base level” when it comes down to his neurocognitive testing before he is cleared to play.

May’s injury was late in the first quarter as he scrambled for an 18-yard gain. When he slipped awkwardly at the end of the race, New York Jamien Sherwood established helmet-to-helmet contact. May was slow to get up but stayed in the game for the final four games.

He finished 3 of 6 with 23 yards passing and rushed three times for 46 yards and a touchdown.

Mayo did not speculate on the timing of his release, but noted that if he is not cleared by Sunday, the rookie Joe Milton will be a backup defenseman.

“We treat it like any other injury,” Mayo said. “I would say having a veteran quarterback like Jacoby helps us feel at ease.”

For Brissett, practice was a welcome return to the first-team offense. The 31-year veteran said his approach remains the same.

“It’s always, ‘Prepare like you’re a starter.’” Next man up,” Brissett said. “And that won’t change this week.”

The Patriots are used to making changes at quarterback, so this shouldn’t have a significant impact on what they want to accomplish on offense against the Titans.

“It’s just getting reps with both of them in practice,” the wide receiver said. Kendrick Bourne. “You still have Jacoby reps. When he’s in line, I just take advantage of that and talk to both of them and see how they see things. Jacoby and Drake do a good job of communicating where they want us and what they see.

“Honestly, I think just running good routes helps a lot because it’s the same for both of them. Just see what they like and actually get on the same page. If Jacoby wants me on the back pylon at a certain point or closer to the numbers on a certain route or whatever, then I really understand what he sees and compare it to what Drake wants. Drake might want me to take a higher angle. Just learning what they really prefer.”

Trauma report

Wide Receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and offensive lineman Layden Robinson returned to practice. May was listed as limited, one of 13 Patriots with that designation. Offensive tackle Vederian Law (ankle/shoulder), defensive tackle Jacqueline Roy (neck) and halfback Christian Ellis (belly) were DNP … Cornerback Alex Austin was on the field starting the 21-day countdown for his activation from injured reserve… Mayo had nothing but good things to say about the midfielder Joshua Uchewho was dealt to the Chiefs this week for a sixth-round pick. “Josh is one of the first guys I spent a lot of time watching in college,” Mayo said. “We still have a great relationship. I wish him all the best, but I think it’s best for both teams.” … Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux was at Yankee Stadium for Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday night… Alex Kemp is the referee for the Patriots-Titans game. This will be the veteran umpire’s first game in New England. According to NFLpenalties.comhis team has thrown an average of 17.86 flags this season, fourth-most in the NFL.

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Christopher Price can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @cpriceglobe.