The New England Patriots are gearing up the play in the Super Bowl next Sunday for the first time in the post-Tom Brady era. First-year HC Mike Vrabel, a Patriots legend as a player, has led this team back to the mountaintop in remarkably short order, and second-year QB Drake Maye is a legitimate MVP candidate despite working with middling offensive personnel around him.
However, Maye’s status for the Super Bowl has been drawn into question in recent days, with the Patriots’ star young quarterback listed on the injury report with a shoulder injury and an illness. He was limited in practice on Thursday and did not practice at all on Friday.
“He did not practice, no. It was ‘illness’ and ‘shoulder,'” Vrabel said in this press conference on Friday, highlighting what was listed on the injury report for Maye. “‘Illness’ and ‘shoulder,'” he repeated.
New England Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on the Status of QB Drake Maye
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 25: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter in the AFC Championship Playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
“No. No. I mean, we’ve got a lot of guys over the last month or six weeks with illness, and you know. We’re trying to do what’s best for the player and the team,” Vrabel continued. “We’re trying to take care of guys, and you know, don’t spread anything, but we’ve worked through that here for the past six weeks.”
“Yeah, he came to work,” Vrabel said on if Maye came into the building on Friday. “I don’t know where he’s at right now, but I think he’s still here.”
“He was, yes,” Vrabel replied when asked if Maye was able to participate in team meetings.
“I would say favorably,” Vrabel said on how Maye’s shoulder is responding. “Yeah, he’s fine.”
“However you label limited, that’s how much he practiced,” Vrabel said on Maye’s practice status on Thursday. “It wasn’t full, and if it’s not full, it has to be down as limited. So I don’t know what percentage of the normal work, but it’s pretty clear that if you don’t take normal reps, or whatever you normally take, then [you have to be listed as limited]. So it wasn’t that much.”
The New England Patriots Have a Tall Task Against This Seattle Defense
The Seahawks boast the league’s best defense this season, and they’ve ridden it — combined with an explosive offense — to a narrow victory over the Rams in the NFC Championship Game and a berth in the Super Bowl, where they are favored over the Patriots.
Maye has been absolutely sensational for New England in his sophomore season, but he’ll have his work cut out for him next week. The Seahawks swarm on defense, with relentless pressure and narrow passing lanes to try and exploit. If Maye can keep his composure and stand tall in the face of daunting opposition, he’ll have every opportunity to lead the Patriots back to the top of the sport once more.
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Shares Latest Drake Maye Update After Missed Practice