In a sign of strong leadership, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looked upset at himself following a completion to Austin Hooper in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Bills because it put his veteran tight end in harm’s way.

Maye ran over to check on Hooper as he walked to the sideline following an on-field collision with Bills defenders. Hooper returned to the game for one more play, but head coach Jerod Mayo was asked Monday morning if the tight end was in the clear.

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“That’s my understanding as of right now,” Mayo said. “If I hear something different, I’m going to go back, and I’m going to tell you something different. But right now, he’s fine.”

Hooper has been one of the Patriots’ top veteran additions this season. He’s third on the team with 38 catches, fourth with 430 yards and leads Patriots pass-catchers with three receiving touchdowns all while playing a backup role behind Hunter Henry. Hooper, 30, is on pace for his most productive season since 2019.