Drake Maye’s Shoulder Sparks Questions, But Patriots Stay Focused on Super Bowl Run
The New England Patriots are heading to the Super Bowl, but the celebration didn’t come without a few raised eyebrows - and all of them were aimed at rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
After the AFC Championship win in Denver, social media lit up with speculation that Maye may have tweaked his right shoulder during the game. David J. Chao, a former NFL team doctor and frequent voice on player injuries, suggested as much in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stirring concern among Patriots fans already dreaming of a sixth Lombardi Trophy.
But if there’s any panic inside the Patriots’ building, head coach Mike Vrabel isn’t showing it.
“I wouldn’t say anybody hurt anything,” Vrabel said when asked directly about Maye’s shoulder. “This is a sport where there’s going to be things that come up. We’ll talk about whatever status each player has for the game once we’re required to.”
That’s classic Vrabel - direct, measured, and not about to tip his hand two weeks out from the biggest game of the year. And in fairness, he’s right. Football is a physical grind, and bumps and bruises are part of the territory, especially after a cold-weather war like the one in Denver.
All Eyes on No. 10
Still, Maye’s health will be a storyline to watch. The rookie has been a revelation this postseason, showing poise well beyond his years and giving the Patriots a dynamic presence under center that fans haven’t seen in a while. If there’s even a hint of an issue with his throwing shoulder, it’s going to be scrutinized from every angle - especially with two weeks of media buildup ahead.
The good news? Time is on New England’s side.
With the Super Bowl still two weeks away, Maye has a window to rest, rehab, and ramp back up if needed. And if the team decides to scale back his reps early in the week, it wouldn’t be a red flag - it would be smart roster management.
Vrabel, a former linebacker who knows what it takes to win in January and February, isn’t about to offer any injury updates unless he absolutely has to. That’s standard operating procedure this time of year. Competitive advantage matters, and there’s no upside in broadcasting anything to the opposing sideline.
What to Watch Next
The next few days of practice will tell us more. If Maye is throwing without restriction, that’ll go a long way toward easing any lingering concerns.
If he’s limited or held out, the buzz will only grow louder - but again, that doesn’t necessarily mean trouble. Teams often take the cautious route with key players ahead of the Super Bowl, especially when dealing with minor issues.
For now, the Patriots are where every team wants to be in late January: prepping for the biggest stage in football. And unless we hear otherwise, Drake Maye is still QB1 - shoulder and all.
Stay tuned.