With Super Bowl LX just hours away, the New England Patriots are getting some clarity on key injuries-and the timing couldn’t be more critical. The team had been closely monitoring the health of quarterback Drake Maye, linebacker Robert Spillane, and edge rusher Harold Landry heading into their showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. Now, with kickoff looming, here’s where things stand for three of the Patriots’ most important defensive and offensive pieces.
Drake Maye: Full Go for the Biggest Game of His Life
Let’s start with the quarterback. Drake Maye will be under center on Sunday, and that’s not just good news for New England-it’s essential.
Maye had been dealing with a right shoulder injury, raising some eyebrows earlier in the week. But he practiced in full and has officially been removed from the injury report. In other words: he’s ready.
And if you’re wondering how he’s feeling heading into the biggest start of his young career, Maye made it clear he’s not just physically ready-he’s embracing the moment.
“A chance to play in this game is a dream come true,” Maye said during the week. “Like I said, I’m not trying to lie to you guys when I say I’m feeling great.
You know, I’m feeling great. I’m looking forward to get out there.”
That kind of mindset, paired with a clean bill of health, is exactly what the Patriots need from their rookie signal-caller as he prepares to face a fast, physical Seahawks defense on the sport’s biggest stage.
Robert Spillane: Trending Up, Ready to Lead
Linebacker Robert Spillane has been the heartbeat of this Patriots defense all season long. And while he exited the AFC Championship Game early with an ankle injury, all signs point to him being back in the lineup for the Super Bowl.
Spillane didn’t practice early in the week, but he ramped things up with two limited sessions and carries a questionable tag into game day. Head coach Mike Vrabel kept things close to the vest, but Spillane didn’t hesitate when asked about his status.
“100%,” the veteran linebacker said when asked if he expects to play.
Spillane’s presence goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s a team captain, the green dot wearer, and a vocal leader on a unit that thrives on toughness and communication. His return would be a major boost for a defense that will need to be sharp against a Seahawks offense that can attack in multiple ways.
Harold Landry: Battling Through, Eyeing a Return
Then there’s Harold Landry, the Patriots’ top pass-rusher and a guy who’s been grinding through a knee injury since Week 6. He missed the AFC title game, but signs are pointing toward him suiting up for the Super Bowl.
Landry logged two limited practices this week, with a non-participation day sandwiched in between. That’s a step forward from two weeks ago when he didn’t practice at all before being ruled out. He’s officially listed as questionable, but the arrow is pointing up.
“I’m pretty confident that I can help the team in any way they need me to do it,” Landry said. “It’s been tough all year being in and out, trying to play through what I have going on.”
Even at less than 100%, Landry’s impact can’t be overstated. He led the team in sacks this season with 8.5 and remains a disruptive force off the edge. Against a Seattle passing attack that can stretch the field and pick apart soft zones, Landry’s ability to generate pressure could be a game-changer.
Final Thoughts
The Patriots are walking into Super Bowl LX with their quarterback healthy, their defensive leader ready to go, and their top pass-rusher trending in the right direction. For a team that’s battled injuries all year, that’s about as good as they could’ve hoped for heading into the biggest game of the season.
With Maye cleared, Spillane expected to suit up, and Landry pushing to return, New England is getting its key pieces back just in time. And in a game where every snap matters, that could make all the difference.