Drake Maye’s Shoulder Injury Emerges as Top Super Bowl Narrative

Bassyonni

Published: January 27, 2026 10:11 PM ET

As the Super Bowl approaches, the injury status of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has become a major talking point. The Patriots are set to face the Seattle Seahawks and are currently 4.5-point underdogs. The condition of Maye’s shoulder, sustained during the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, could significantly impact the game.

Drake Maye’s Shoulder Injury

David J. Chao, also known as ProFootballDoc, highlighted Maye’s injury, stating he injured his right throwing shoulder. This injury occurred in the AFC Championship Game on January 25, 2026, following a tackle by Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss.

Concerns from Medical Experts

Chao emphasized that he is more worried about Maye’s shoulder than about other injuries on the team, mentioning Sam Darnold’s oblique issue. The severity of Maye’s injury remains unclear, raising questions regarding whether it affects his performance.

Reactions from Team Management

Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the media with mixed signals regarding Maye’s health. During an appearance on WEEI’s “Greg Hill Show,” he acknowledged that no player is at 100% during this stage of the season. When pressed directly about Maye’s shoulder, Vrabel evaded a definitive answer, indicating the team would provide an injury report soon.

Mixed Signals from Vrabel

Initial Response: Vrabel stated, “There’s not a player on our team that’s 100 percent healthy.”
Later Clarification: He further noted that all players are functioning, hinting at no major issues.

This variability in responses highlights the gamesmanship often seen in NFL injury reporting. Vrabel’s comments indicate that Maye may indeed have some discomfort, but he did not confirm any significant issue.

Impact on the Super Bowl

The uncertainty surrounding Maye’s injury is crucial as the Patriots prepare to face a strong Seahawks roster. While Maye’s ability to play remains in question, former insights suggest he will take the field if physically capable. If Maye can perform at even 80% capacity, it might still not be enough to secure a victory against Seattle.

The Super Bowl on February 8 looms large, and all eyes will be on Maye’s condition as he aims to lead his team against a formidable opponent. His shoulder injury has quickly become one of the top narratives of this year’s championship matchup.