- Tickets MARCA. Want tickets for the Super Bowl? Check here to see for any last-minute seats on Tickets MARCA
- NFL. Dak Prescott could lose several key players after Jerry Jones' latest decisions
- NFL. Jimmy Kimmel takes aim at Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame snub and relationship with Jordon Hudson
The Patriots wrapped another cold practice with cameras trained on one position group. On Friday, the New England Patriots confirmed quarterback Drake Maye did not practice due to a combination of illness and a sore right shoulder, days before Super Bowl LX.
The update came as New England finalizes preparations to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 8, in Santa Clara, California. Maye had been listed as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday marked his first full absence of the week.
Related:
- Super Bowl 2026: Date, time, location, and everything to know
- Where to watch the Super Bowl 2026? TV channel and streaming
- Super Bowl Halftime Show 2026: Everything about Bad Bunny's performance
- How much do tickets for the Super Bowl cost in 2026?
- Super Bowl Winners List: All teams that have won the Vince Lombardi
Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters the decision was precautionary, citing both the shoulder soreness and an illness that surfaced late in the week. A day earlier, Vrabel said his concern level remained low, noting that "most players are managing something at this point of the season."
The timeline matters. New England is coming off a physical AFC Championship Game win over Denver, where Maye absorbed repeated hits. The shoulder issue first appeared on the injury report Wednesday. By Thursday, he remained limited. Friday's absence sharpened attention during a week when practice reps are usually controlled rather than missed.
"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. Again, we've worked through that here for the past six weeks...
The numbers behind the concern
Maye's season explains the scrutiny. He led the NFL in completion percentage, passer rating, and QBR, according to tracking from ESPN. He finished the regular season with 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, figures confirmed by Pro Football Reference. In two postseason games, he has added four touchdown passes with two interceptions.
This is not a routine quarterback situation for New England. Maye started every game this season and was central to an offense that ranked among the league's most efficient units. Compared with recent Patriots teams that leaned heavily on defense and field position, this version has operated at a faster tempo and with more downfield efficiency. Any limitation at quarterback alters that formula.
How the league is viewing Maye's late-week status
Around the league, late-week quarterback listings tend to draw measured reactions rather than alarm. Analysts on national broadcasts Friday noted that illness-related absences are not uncommon during Super Bowl week, especially as teams reduce contact and emphasize recovery. League observers also pointed out that Maye remained engaged on the sideline, a detail often viewed as a positive indicator when teams manage stars carefully.
Maye addressed the situation earlier in the week, saying he feels good and is focused on being ready for Sunday. Internally, the Patriots have echoed that stance, emphasizing treatment, rest, and monitoring rather than structural changes to the game plan.
Final injury report and the narrow margin ahead
New England is expected to release its final injury report before departing for California. With the Seahawks' defense among the league's most disciplined units, the margin tightens. Keeping Maye as close to full strength as possible remains the priority.
For the Patriots, the approach is familiar. Manage the week, protect the quarterback, and trust the process that delivered a 14-3 season and a return to the Super Bowl stage for the first time since the 2018 season.
Practice participation and injury status were based on official Patriots reports and coach media availability. Statistical references reflect league tracking from ESPN and Pro Football Reference. League and analyst context was drawn from national NFL broadcast coverage during Super Bowl week.