Patriots suffer blow ahead of Super Bowl as QB Maye misses practice

A new concern has emerged in the New England Patriots’ preparation for Super Bowl LX as starting quarterback Drake Maye did not take part in Friday’s practice session due to an illness, head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed.

The absence comes during what should be the final full week of preparation ahead of the team’s February 8 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, California.

Maye has been a cornerstone of the Patriots’ dramatic turnaround this season, but he was notably missing from the field during Friday’s media-accessible portion of practice.

While his shoulder injury, sustained during the AFC Championship Game, had limited him earlier in the week, it was the illness that kept him out Friday, according to Vrabel.

“We’ve had a lot of guys with illness”

Vrabel, however, was keen to downplay any long-term alarm, telling reporters that the team has seen a number of players deal with sickness over the past month or so and that managing those concerns has been part of the routine.

“We’ve had a lot of guys over the last month, six weeks here, with illness. So, again, just trying to do what’s best for the player and the team. I’m trying to take care of guys -- don’t spread anything,” he said.

Vrabel described the response to recent work on Maye’s shoulder as “favourable”, suggesting confidence that health issues would not significantly detract from Maye’s readiness. Maye himself echoed his coach’s confidence: “I’m looking forward to being ready to go. This is the game you dream of playing in, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl.”

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The illness adds an unexpected twist to what has otherwise been a focused preparation period for the Patriots. With less than ten days until kickoff, the team will now look to balance rest and recovery for its star quarterback with the need to maintain momentum.

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