Is Drake Maye ready for the 2026 Super Bowl? Rumors about a possible injury have New England Patriots fans on edge.
Maye, 23, appeared to suffer a shoulder injury during the Patriots’ AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, January 25. The quarterback stiff-armed Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss during the fourth quarter, which sealed the Patriots’ win, but the play might have led to some minor pain for Maye. (The Patriots beat the Broncos 10-7, leading the team to their first Super Bowl appearance in seven seasons.)
Professional football doctor David Chao shared his thoughts about Maye’s possible injury during an interview shared via X after the game.
“There’s no question in my mind that Drake Maye injured his right throwing shoulder against the Denver Broncos,” Chao speculated. “Of course how bad is the injury remains to be seen. What type of injury, I’m still gathering data.”
Patriots fans quickly came for Chao on social media, but the doctor has since clarified that he shared his opinion — not a fact.
NFL injury expert Jesse Morse also took to social media with some thoughts.
“I think he got lucky, and it’s likely a sprain,” he speculated, noting that it was “unlikely” Maye dislocated his shoulder.
Several members of the Patriots organization have also weighed in on Maye’s shoulder before the team takes on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, February 8.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Maye’s possible injury:
Did Drake Maye Get Injured Before Super Bowl LX?
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said during a Tuesday, January 27, press conference that the injury rumors were “probably” overblown.
“No, I wouldn’t say anybody hurt anything,” he added.
What Did Drake Maye Say About His Shoulder Injury?
Maye addressed the shoulder injury rumors during an interview on Tuesday and offered an update on his overall health.
“I’m feeling good. I’m feeling good. We gonna get some extra rest, and really the only thing that’s from the game, I think just the build up of throwing for, this is what, almost, including training camp, 30 weeks straight of throwing and four days a week,” the athlete said. “It can add up. But I’ve got some extra rest. I’m feeling good, and yeah, ready to go for the Super Bowl.”
What Did Mike Vrabel Say About Drake Maye’s Injury?
Vrabel was asked about the “internet doctors” weighing in on Maye’s health during an appearance on The Greg Hill Show.
“There’s not a player on our team that’s 100 percent healthy,” the coach replied. “I imagine we’ll go through the injury report and whenever we have to turn that it, we’ll turn it in.”
Vrabel added, “But nobody’s 100 percent. This will be our 21st game.”
When Will the New England Patriots Injury Report Be Released?
The team does not have to release an injury report until right before the 2026 Super Bowl. However, it’s possible a “projected” injury report will come on Wednesday, January 28.
