FOXBORO – New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye will be a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, head coach Jerod Mayo announced Wednesday morning. Maye is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol after leaving last week’s win over the New York Jets with a head injury.

“He’s going to throw the ball sometimes, but he’s going to be limited,” Mayo told reporters inside Gillette Stadium.

Maye will practice for no more than 30 minutes on Wednesday, and it remains unclear if he will be able to play this weekend when the Patriots visit the Tennessee Titans. But the quarterback taking the practice field Wednesday is a sign of progress after being knocked out of the team’s Week 8 win, opening the door for Maye to potentially play against the Titans this weekend.

Drake Maye’s concussion

Maye was injured at the end of an 18-yard scramble late in the first quarter of New England’s Week 8 win over New York. Jets safety Jamien Sherwood came in from behind and delivered a hit to the back of Maye’s head as the QB slid at the end of his run.

No flag was thrown on the play, and Maye remained on the field for four more snaps before being told to head to the blue medical tent. Mayo said it was initiated by the NFL, and the team is following league protocol to get Maye back on the field.

Mayo added that Maye remains optimistic as he goes through the recovery process.

“His spirits are good. They were good after the game. He threw a few pennies after the hit as well so he was upbeat,” Mayo said.

The NFL’s concussion protocol

Before he can return to action, Maye must pass five steps in the NFL’s concussion protocol:

1. Symptoms limited activity
2. Aerobic exercise
3. Soccer-specific training
4. Club-based non-contact drills
5. Full football activity/clearing

Based on what Mayo said Wednesday, it sounds like Maye is in the third step. (Mayo could not confirm that.) The rookie must ultimately be cleared by an independent physician before receiving final clearance.

“I have confidence that if the league says he’s ready to play, he’ll go out and have surgery,” Mayo said Wednesday. “And in saying that, I feel very comfortable putting Jacoby (Brissett) in because he’s a pro and always ready.”

Mayo wouldn’t go into any “What if” scenarios leading up to Sunday’s game against the Titans, but said Joe Milton will be Brissett’s backup if Maye isn’t cleared.

“That can change in a minute, so it’s hard to get into that ‘if he’s acquitted,'” Mayo said.

We’re getting you ready for this weekend’s Patriots-Titans clash Sunday morning with Patriots GameDay at 11:30 a.m. (which you can also stream on CBSBoston.com), and switch to TV38 after the game for full reaction and analysis on the Patriots 5th Quarter!