Drake Maye wasn't at practice Friday. And with the Super Bowl nine days out, that's not nothing.
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The Patriots' breakout star quarterback was nowhere to be seen as the team prepped for its showdown with the Seahawks. Head coach Mike Vrabel chalked it up to "injury and illness," adding that Maye's absence was part of a team-wide effort to keep whatever bug is going around from spreading.
"We've had a lot of guys sick the last month," Vrabel said. "Just trying to do what's best for the player and the team."
Translation: Everyone breathe for a minute.
Maye, 23, got banged up in the AFC Championship win over Denver, landing hard on his right shoulder in the third quarter. He stayed in the game and downplayed the hit afterward, saying he's got "bumps and bruises" but plans to suit up in Santa Clara.
"This is the game you dream of playing in," Maye said Thursday. "I'm looking forward to getting out there and playing in the Super Bowl."
The second-year QB hasn't missed a practice all season until now. He was listed as limited earlier in the week. By Friday, he was out. Josh Dobbs took first-team reps. Tommy DeVito is next in line after that. Yeah.
Vrabel said his level of concern is "not much," but if Maye isn't throwing by early next week, that tone might shift fast.
The stakes? Massive. Maye led a New England turnaround for the ages — from 4-13 in 2025 to 14-3 and a Super Bowl berth. He threw for over 4,300 yards with 31 touchdowns, eight picks, and the NFL's best passer rating.
Now the Patriots' MVP candidate is nursing a shoulder and staying out of the building.
If you're a Pats fan, feel free to panic. Just a little.
