FOXBORO — Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye was present for the start of practice Thursday, a sign he could be moving through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Maye did not participate in initial stretching or positional drills Wednesday, when his participation was limited to 30 minutes; a firm indication he was in Phase 3 of the five-phase concussion protocol. In Phase 4, players have no such limit and are permitted to engage in non-contact drills. The next step is full clearance and participating in full-contact activity.
Elsewhere at practice, left tackle Vederian Lowe returned after being absent Wednesday. Lowe gave the Pats’ perfect roster attendance, though two other players — linebacker Christian Elliss and defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy — were listed as non-participants on Wednesday’s practice report. Cornerback Alex Austin also participated in his second straight practice of the week, having had his 21-day window opened for a potential return off injured reserve.
The Patriots will release their next practice report Thursday evening, and hold a final practice Friday afternoon.