As the New England Patriots prepare for their Super Bowl LX showdown against the Seattle Seahawks, the team has already begun its game-week work - even if the pads haven’t come on just yet. Wednesday didn’t feature an official practice in Foxborough, but we still got a clear picture of where things stand health-wise with a projected injury report. And for a team just over a week away from the biggest game of the season, there are some names worth circling.
Patriots Dealing with Key Absences on Defense
If the Patriots had taken the field Wednesday, five players would’ve been held out. That group includes tight end Hunter Henry and offensive tackles Morgan Moses and Thayer Munford Jr. - all listed as resting or dealing with minor ailments - but the more pressing concern lies on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane were projected as non-participants, and both are critical pieces of Mike Vrabel’s defense. Landry has been a force all season, leading the team with 8.5 sacks and tying for the lead in tackles for loss.
But that production has come despite a nagging knee injury that’s lingered since late fall. He didn’t suit up for the AFC Championship Game in Denver and hasn’t practiced since.
His availability for the Super Bowl will be a major storyline to monitor.
Spillane, meanwhile, had just worked his way back from a month-long absence before exiting the AFC title game early. He played just 13 defensive snaps before an ankle injury sent him to the medical tent and eventually the locker room.
He was ruled questionable to return and didn’t see the field again. For a defense that thrives on its linebacker play, Spillane’s status is just as important as Landry’s.
Drake Maye, Mack Hollins Limited but Trending Up
Quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver Mack Hollins were both listed as limited participants, though there’s optimism surrounding both. Hollins, who recently returned from injured reserve, made a splash in the AFC title game with two catches for a team-high 51 yards. His presence adds a vertical threat to an offense that’s been grinding out points in the postseason.
As for Maye, the rookie quarterback has taken a beating in these playoffs - 15 sacks in three games will do that - and he’s now managing a right shoulder injury. But the 23-year-old didn’t sound too concerned when speaking to WEEI on Tuesday.
“I’m feeling good,” Maye said. “We got in some extra rest.
Really, I don’t think it’s from the game. I think just the buildup - almost 30 weeks straight of throwing.
It can add up. But I got some extra rest and I’m feeling good and ready to go for the Super Bowl.”
Despite the shoulder issue, Maye still managed to lead the Patriots to a gritty 10-7 win in Denver, throwing for 86 yards, rushing for 65 more, and scoring the team’s only touchdown. His dual-threat ability continues to give this offense a fighting chance, even when the passing game isn’t fully clicking.
Full Participants Making Their Push from IR
There was good news on the injury front as well. Running back Terrell Jennings and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer - both working back from injured reserve - were listed as full participants in the team’s estimation.
Jennings, who cleared concussion protocol, had his 21-day practice window opened before the divisional round but wasn’t activated for the AFC title game. The second-year back brings a physical presence to the Patriots’ ground game and could provide a boost behind the starter if cleared.
Farmer, a rookie defensive tackle, has been sidelined since December with a hamstring injury but returned to practice ahead of the AFC Championship Game. Like Jennings, he remains a candidate to be activated in time for Super Bowl LX.
Seahawks Also Managing Their Own Injuries
The Seahawks aren’t coming in at full strength either. Offensive tackle Amari Kight and linebacker Ernest Jones IV were listed as non-participants, while a long list of players - including quarterback Sam Darnold, fullbacks Robbie Ouzts and Brady Russell, and wide receiver Jake Bobo - were limited.
Seattle has its own injury concerns on the offensive line, with Charles Cross and Josh Jones both nursing lower-body injuries. That could be a factor against a Patriots pass rush that, if healthy, can get after the quarterback in a hurry.
Final Thoughts
With kickoff at Levi’s Stadium fast approaching, both teams are navigating the bumps and bruises that come with a deep postseason run. For the Patriots, the biggest question marks lie on defense - specifically with Landry and Spillane. Offensively, all eyes will be on Maye’s shoulder and whether he can hold up under the bright lights of his first Super Bowl start.
No practice yet, but the injury report is already telling a story. And as we inch closer to Feb. 8, every update will matter just a little bit more.