The noise around Drake Maye’s injured shoulder is only getting louder.
The New England quarterback was not at practice Friday raising some alarms around the team just nine days out from Super Bowl 2026.
Maye, who had reportedly not missed a practice all season, sat out with what head coach Mike Vrabel said was a combination of “injury and illness.”
“We’ve had a lot of guys over the last month or six weeks here with illness,” he told reporters. “Trying to do what’s best for the player and the team, trying to take care of guys, not spread anything.”
The 23-year-old, on the heels of an MVP-worthy regular season, was listed as a limited participant on the Patriots’ Jan. 28 practice report, the result of a rough-and-tumble AFC Championship win over the Broncos that saw him land hard on his right throwing shoulder after being tackled in the third quarter.
Both he and Vrabel have downplayed the severity of the injury, though the QB acknowledged having “bumps and bruises.”
“I’m looking forward to be ready to go,” Maye told reporters Thursday. “This is the game you dream of playing in, so looking forward to getting out there and getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl.”
Barring any serious changes, Maye plans to take the field on Feb. 8 against the Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye watches teammates during practice, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.
“I think it’s just been one of those things where it’s a long season,” Maye said. “Sometimes, things show up. I’ll do whatever I can to, you know, feel 100% and I’m sure I’ll get if not there as close as I can or 99[%] or do whatever I can to make sure, I’m throwing and, like I said, do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Vrabel told reporters Thursday his level of concern was “not much.”
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is tackled by Denver Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga
That’s a sigh of relief to Patriots fans, who would be staring down a quarterback tandem of Josh Dobbs, who took first-team reps on Friday, and third-stringer Tommy DeVito as the next men up.
“I try not to have a whole lot of concern,” Vrabel said. “I just want to prepare the football team, and make sure that we’re ready and that we have a plan. I don’t want to surprise anybody.”
Maye, in his second season, helmed a massive New England turnaround that saw the Patriots go from the AFC East basement at 4-13 to the cusp of a title following a 14-3 regular season.
He emerged as a legit MVP candidate after throwing for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns against eight interceptions, leading the league with 113.5 passer rating and 77.1 QB rating.
News
Pittsburgh Steelers Announce Major Changes to Acrisure Stadium Ahead of 2026 Season — Team Responds After Fans Said a New Feature Felt “Overwhelming,” Promising Adjustments to Improve the Game-Day Experience and Restore Comfort for Supporters.
THE Pittsburgh Steelers are announcing major changes to Acrisure Stadium. Significant changes are being made to the Steelers‘ stadium for 2026…
Kayla Simmons is turning heads once again after sharing a bold beachside look that quickly set social media buzzing. Dubbed by fans as one of the most eye-catching figures in volleyball, Simmons posted a series of photos in a minimal white bikini — and reactions poured in almost instantly. From “mesmerising” to “unreal,” followers didn’t hold back as the post racked up engagement. Known for blending her athletic background with a strong online presence, Simmons continues to build a brand that goes far beyond the court. While the photos grabbed attention, it’s the consistency of her influence that stands out most. And one detail in the post is what fans keep coming back to. It might explain why she continues to dominate the spotlight.
KAYLA SIMMONS has bared her bum in a tiny bikini leaving her fans stunned on social media. The world’s sexiest…
A stunning reversal has caught fans off guard as a Pittsburgh Steelers star has already walked back his retirement — just weeks after stepping away from the game. What initially seemed like a definitive goodbye is now looking more like a pause, with the player signaling a return that’s raising eyebrows across the National Football League. Retirement decisions in the NFL are rarely simple, often shaped by physical demands, personal factors, and unfinished business — and this situation appears to be no different. Fans are split between excitement and confusion, trying to understand what changed so quickly behind the scenes. Teammates and insiders are also reacting, with speculation building about what this means for the Steelers moving forward. But one detail about the timeline of his decision is what’s drawing the most attention. And it could reveal why this U-turn happened so fast.
A FORMER PITTSBURGH STEELERS star has announced his decision to return to the NFL just weeks after hanging up the…
Life off the field is taking center stage for Dak Prescott as he and ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos navigate a complicated custody situation following their high-profile breakup. After what many described as a messy split, both sides are now reportedly focused on finding a stable path forward — putting co-parenting and long-term priorities ahead of past tensions. For Prescott, the situation adds a deeply personal layer to an already demanding career with the Dallas Cowboys, where pressure never really lets up. Sources suggest efforts are being made to keep matters as private and constructive as possible, even as public interest continues to grow. Fans have been watching closely, with reactions ranging from support to curiosity about how things will unfold. But one key approach both sides are taking is what’s drawing the most attention. And it could define how this situation evolves moving forward.
Dak Prescott and ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos are taking steps to amicably come to terms on a temporary custody arrangement…
Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld Announce Birth of First Child — The Buffalo Bills Star and Hollywood Actress Share Joyful News, Marking a New Chapter as They Welcome Their Baby Into the World.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld, are officially a family of three. The couple announced Thursday…
A powerful full-circle moment is unfolding for an NFL player whose actions off the field once made headlines for all the right reasons. After bravely pulling a man from a burning car and saving his life, the National Football League star is now being handed a career lifeline of his own — a second chance that’s capturing attention across the football world. At the time, his heroic act drew widespread praise, showing a side of athletes fans don’t always get to see. Now, as he looks to revive his career, that moment is being remembered as more than just a headline — but a reflection of character. Teams are always weighing talent against intangibles, and stories like this can carry real weight. As news spreads, support is pouring in from fans and insiders alike. But one key detail about this opportunity is what’s standing out most. And it could determine whether this comeback truly takes hold.
KJ OSBORN has reportedly agreed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. The wide receiver, 28, has not played in…
End of content
No more pages to load
