New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel announced some concerning Drake Maye news on Friday.
The most important player on the New England Patriots didn't practice on Friday.
According to head coach Mike Vrabel, QB Drake Maye missed Friday's practice because of an illness.
Maye is also dealing with a right shoulder injury.
"We've had a lot of guys over the last month, six weeks here, with illness. So, again, just trying to do what's best for the player and the team. I'm trying to take care of guys -- don't spread anything," Vrabel said.
The Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Maye will play despite hurting his throwing shoulder in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.
Maye threw for 533 yards and four touchdowns in three AFC playoff games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and Broncos. He had six fumbles and two interceptions.
A UNC product, Maye finished the 2025 regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns while completing 72.0% of his passes. He is a finalist for the AP Most Valuable Player Award.
"I'm feeling good," Maye said. "Going to get some extra rest. I really don't think it was from the game, but just the build-up from throwing -- this is what, including training camp, 30 weeks of straight of throwing, four days a week. It can add up. I got some extra rest, feeling good, and ready to go for the Super Bowl."
Maye won't be 100% in the Super Bowl, but his head coach isn't worried.
"Not much, I try not to have a whole lot of concern," Vrabel said. "I just want to try to prepare the football team, make sure that everybody's ready, that we all have a plan, not to surprise anybody and make sure that our guys are focusing on the first and second down plan.
"We've tried to map out the week here, week and a half, and not look at the end of it, but focus on what we can do today. Try to learn our opponent and be ready for first and second down."
Expect Seattle defenders to target Maye's shoulder in the Super Bowl. It will be interesting to see if Maye wears any type of shoulder protection.
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