Patriots Open Super Bowl Week with Key Starters Sidelined, Drake Maye Limited but Present
FOXBORO - As the Patriots kicked off their first official practice ahead of Super Bowl LX, all eyes were on rookie quarterback Drake Maye - and more specifically, his right shoulder.
Maye was on the field and suited up, but he didn’t throw during Thursday’s session. That lines up with the team’s Wednesday injury report, which listed him as limited.
Head coach Mike Vrabel downplayed any major concern, calling it “not much” when asked about Maye’s shoulder before practice. That’s a notable tone heading into the biggest game of the year, but it’s still something to monitor as the week progresses.
While Maye was at least present, the same couldn’t be said for several other key contributors. Three starters - linebacker Robert Spillane, edge rusher Harold Landry, and tight end Hunter Henry - were all missing from Thursday’s practice.
Spillane is still recovering from the ankle injury he picked up in the AFC Championship Game. His absence is significant; he’s been a steady presence in the middle of the Patriots’ defense all season.
Landry, dealing with a knee issue, missed time last week as well and didn’t suit up for the AFC title game in Denver. Henry, meanwhile, was reportedly out for rest purposes - a common strategy for veterans this late in the season, especially one with his postseason experience.
The Patriots are clearly managing some bumps and bruises as they gear up for the final game of the year. That includes backup offensive lineman Thayer Munford Jr. and linebacker Marte Mapu, both of whom were also absent Thursday. Mapu’s absence is particularly interesting, as he wasn’t listed on the team’s projected injury report Wednesday - a report the team submitted despite not holding a full practice.
The next official injury report is expected Thursday evening, which should offer more clarity on the status of these players. But for now, the Patriots are entering Super Bowl week with a few more question marks than they’d like - especially at positions that have been critical to their postseason run.
Still, with Maye on the field - even in a limited capacity - and Vrabel expressing confidence, there’s no panic in Foxboro just yet. But it’s clear this team will be closely monitoring its health as it prepares for the biggest stage in football.