Maye injury listed as Patriots hit with worst-case scenario days from Super Bowl
The New England Patriots quarterback has been listed on the official NFL injury report, just days from the Super Bowl.
With Levi’s Stadium looming like Stephen King’s Dark Tower as Super Bowl LX edges closer, the New England Patriots are facing what might be the worst news possible: uncertainty around the fitness of their breakout quarterback, Drake Maye.
The second-year signal-caller was officially listed on the Patriots’ injury report this week after a right shoulder issue surfaced in the aftermath of New England’s 10-7 AFC Championship victory over the Denver Broncos.
The injury was accompanied by an illness that kept Maye out of Friday’s practice, leaving fans and pundits alike to ponder whether the team’s offensive leader will be at full strength for what amounts to the most important game of his young career.
Drake Maye is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. Sam Darnold has been dealing with an oblique injury.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 29, 2026
There is a possibility that Super Bowl LX will be a starting QB rematch of a 2016 SEC East classic between Josh Dobbs and Drew Lock that totaled 100 points. pic.twitter.com/RFjtkH4npi
Maye’s shoulder first drew attention late in the Broncos game when he appeared to land awkwardly on his right side during a third-quarter scramble. Although he remained in the game and continued to perform, the play was enough for the Patriots to list him as a limited participant earlier in the week.
Head coach Mike Vrabel understandably tried to maintain a calm public posture, saying that the injury had responded “favourably,” and that Maye’s absence from practice Friday was principally due to illness rather than a structural problem. It seems that his illness was a timely cover for the underlying issue that can no longer be hidden.
Will Drake Maye play for the Patriots against the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX?
The 23-year-old Pro-Bowl talent has been clear that he feels good and is focused on recovery and preparation. But the fact he is even “questionable” this close to the biggest moment of his short career is enough to test the nerves of even the most ardent Patriots supporters; at present we simply don’t know if he will be fit in time to make the cut.
Mike Vrabel's full answer on Drake Maye's shoulder said it's probably being blown out of proportion:
— Kevin Moore (@KMooreTV) January 27, 2026
"Everybody, including Drake, is not 100% this time of year."
When asked directly if Maye is hurt, he says, "No, I wouldn't say anybody hurt anything..." @NBC10 pic.twitter.com/XVZ2ARO9r3
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Super Bowl LX will be played on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026; the game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET, with hours of pregame coverage, ceremonies and analysis leading into the opening kickoff.
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