Patriots’ Drake Maye Questionable for Super Bowl LX Amid Shoulder Injury and Illness
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, a cornerstone of the team’s improbable run to Super Bowl LX, has been listed as questionable due to a lingering right shoulder injury compounded by an illness that sidelined him from Friday’s practice.[1][4]
The Patriots released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, naming Maye among nine players with question marks. Maye’s absence from the media-observed portion of Friday’s session at Gillette Stadium raised eyebrows, but head coach Mike Vrabel clarified it stemmed from illness rather than his shoulder issue.[1][2][4]
Shoulder Strain from AFC Championship Persists
Maye sustained the shoulder injury during the Patriots’ gritty 10-7 AFC Championship victory over the Denver Broncos last weekend. Despite playing all 64 offensive snaps and showing no visible limitations, the second-year quarterback acknowledged post-game “bumps and bruises.” He was limited in Thursday’s practice, where his shoulder responded favorably, according to Vrabel, though he did not throw during the open media window.[2][4]
“It’s been one of those things—long season, sometimes things pop up,” Maye said Thursday. “I’ll do everything I can to be 100%, and I’m sure I’ll get as close as possible—99 or whatever I can do to ensure I’m throwing and helping the team win.”[2]
Vrabel emphasized Maye’s participation in meetings despite skipping field work Friday, attributing the bug to a team-wide issue over the past six weeks. “We’ve had a lot of guys over the last month, six weeks here, with illness,” Vrabel noted. “Just trying to do what’s best for the player and the team—don’t spread anything.”[1][4]
Backup Preparations Underway
With Maye out, veteran Joshua Dobbs, who signed with New England in the offseason, took first-team reps and prepared as if he were the starter. Dobbs, with 15 career NFL starts, would step in if needed, followed by third-year player Tommy DeVito on the depth chart.[1][4]
Vrabel expressed confidence in Maye’s availability, stating the quarterback would have practiced absent the illness and is expected to return when feeling better. Maye, an MVP candidate and second-team All-Pro selection behind Matthew Stafford, has been pivotal in the Patriots’ resurgence, leading them to their seventh Super Bowl appearance.[1][3]
Seahawks Defense Poses Ultimate Test
Facing the Seahawks presents a monumental challenge for Maye, whose regular season saw him sacked a league-high fourth-most times. Playoff woes have exacerbated the issue: Maye has absorbed 15 sacks across three postseason games, the second-most by any quarterback in a single NFL playoffs.[3]
New England is just 7-7 when Maye takes four or more sacks, compared to 13-6 with three or fewer. The matchup pits Maye against Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, whose defenses have rendered young quarterbacks 0-6 since 2024, often in sack-heavy fashion.[3]
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, with his vast experience, will call plays in what figures to be a chess match against Seattle’s unit, which surrendered the fewest points in the NFL this season. Protecting Maye will be paramount if New England aims to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.[3]
Team Travel and Final Prep
The injury report also flagged other absences Friday, including offensive tackle Treyvon Munger, linebacker Robert Spillane, and Harold Landry, though specifics were pending the official list. The Patriots go off Saturday before departing for California, with four practices slated upon arrival.[2]
Maye, who hadn’t missed a practice all season prior to Friday, remains optimistic. “I’m looking forward to being ready to go,” he said. “This is the game you dream of playing in.”[4]
As the Patriots chase history against a Seahawks squad boasting an elite defense, all eyes are on Maye’s health. His sharpness could dictate whether New England claims Super Bowl LX glory.[1][3]