The New England Patriots didn’t just fall short on the scoreboard in Super Bowl 60 - they took some physical hits along the way, too. Their 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks marked a tough end to a season that had shown flashes of promise, especially with rookie quarterback Drake Maye under center. But as the confetti fell for Seattle, the Patriots were left nursing more than just bruised pride.
Let’s break down the injury report from Sunday’s game and what it means moving forward.
Drake Maye: Grit Over Glamour
Start with the quarterback. Drake Maye came into the game already banged up, dealing with a shoulder injury he’d sustained in the AFC Championship.
He took a pre-game injection to manage the pain and then went out and gutted through all 71 offensive snaps - despite being hit or tackled 16 times. That’s a heavy workload for any QB, let alone a rookie playing in the biggest game of his life.
Maye didn’t use the injury as a crutch postgame, but it’s fair to wonder how much it affected his timing, velocity, and decision-making. His performance was uneven, and while the Seahawks’ defense deserves credit, the physical toll clearly played a role. Still, the fact that he stayed in and kept battling says a lot about his toughness - and his future as a leader in New England.
Jahlani Tavai: In, Out, Back In
Linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who started in a rotational role, left the field in the first quarter after a third-down incompletion, consulting with trainers about a shoulder issue. He was listed as questionable to return but made it back midway through the second quarter. Tavai finished the day with 44 snaps split between defense and special teams, showing his usual versatility.
The shoulder injury didn’t appear to slow him down too much, but it’s one to monitor as the team heads into the offseason. Tavai’s been a steady presence in the linebacker room, and any lingering issue could impact his offseason prep.
Christian Gonzalez: Bright Spot in a Dark Day
If there was one Patriot who stood out on Super Bowl Sunday, it was cornerback Christian Gonzalez. He was all over the field, blanketing receivers and making plays, including a key third-down tackle on Cooper Kupp in the third quarter. That play, however, came at a cost - Gonzalez appeared to injure his wrist on the tackle.
Still, he stayed in the game and missed just three of the team’s 72 defensive snaps. That kind of durability and impact from a young corner is exactly what New England needs as they rebuild their defense. His wrist will be something to evaluate in the coming weeks, but it didn’t seem to hold him back in the moment.
Hunter Henry: Tough Hit Ends His Day
Tight end Hunter Henry was targeted six times in the game, but his afternoon ended abruptly after a hard hit on a failed two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter. He was evaluated for a head injury and ruled questionable to return - though he never did.
Henry’s status will be worth watching, especially given the NFL’s heightened attention to head injuries. As the Patriots’ top tight end, his availability is key to the offense’s rhythm and red-zone effectiveness. While there’s optimism that the injury won’t linger into next season, it could affect his offseason timeline depending on how he progresses through post-game evaluations.
Looking Ahead
The good news for the Patriots? None of the injuries from Super Bowl 60 appear to be long-term concerns.
With the offseason now underway and players not due back until April, there’s a window for recovery. Tavai’s shoulder and Henry’s head injury are the two most notable issues, but both will be reassessed in the coming weeks to determine if they’ll impact offseason participation.
For a team that just endured a physical, emotional, and tactical letdown on the sport’s biggest stage, escaping without major injury is at least a small consolation. Now, the focus shifts to healing up, regrouping, and building around the foundation that’s already in place - starting with a young quarterback who’s already proven he can take a hit and keep going.