Just over a week out from Super Bowl LX, the New England Patriots are dealing with an injury to one of their stars. Second-year QB Drake Maye, an MVP finalist, is currently dealing with a shoulder injury and an illness and has been limited in practice this week.
The Patriots’ backup is one Josh Dobbs, a veteran who’s started for multiple NFL teams and been on plenty more as a reserve. A fourth-round pick out of Tennessee by the Steelers in 2017, Dobbs also played for the Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, and 49ers before signing with the Patriots this past offseason.
In 2023, Dobbs threw for 2,464 yards and 13 touchdowns in 13 games between the Cardinals and Vikings, adding 421 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the ground. It was his best season as a pro and has since made him a valuable signing as a backup for multiple teams, including the Patriots this year. With Maye’s status for the Super Bowl still up in the air, Dobbs may be called upon in the biggest moment of the season.
New England Patriots QB Josh Dobbs on Taking First-Team Reps
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 28: Joshua Dobbs #11 of the New England Patriots looks to pass against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 28, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images)
“Yeah, it was good, good day,” Dobbs said in his media availability on Friday. “Just another day of prep. The guys out there were able to run through our offense, run through our scheme, and just bank good reps together before we head out west. It was a good day of practice.”
“100 percent,” Dobbs said on if he believes in always preparing as if he’s the starter in New England. “That’s been my mindset since I got here April 7. That’s been my mindset since I stepped into the NFL, so that hasn’t changed. And whether I’m in there getting the reps or behind [another guy], my mindset day-to-day is the exact same. Obviously today was a little more eventful, and it was good to get out there and get a flow in the huddle with the guys, get a flow of the offense. So it was a good day.”
New England Patriots QB Josh Dobbs on His Mindset and Growth
“It’s the opportunity to learn and grow, as you said,” Dobbs said on what he’s learned in New England this year. “As I said, we’re led by [Patriots offensive coordinator] Josh McDaniels and he’s been to this game a lot of times, more times than some of us have even been in the NFL.”
“So it’s been a great year of growth from that aspect and learning a new scheme, a very successful offense that’s been run at a high level in the NFL, and I’ve enjoyed my time. As I said, as a team we’ve put in the work. We’re excited for the opportunity — it’s the biggest game in the world for a reason. We’re all approaching it with that same mindset, whether we’re getting reps or not. We’re excited for the opportunity.
Patriots QB Joshua Dobbs Sends Strong Message on 1st Team Reps Before Super Bowl