New England Patriots
Beyond Maye’s shoulder, Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane is also dealing with an ankle injury.
Talk of Drake Maye’s shoulder isn’t quieting down any time soon.
After news first spread earlier this week that the Patriots QB might have suffered a shoulder injury during Sunday’s AFC championship game against the Broncos, the Patriots announced on Wednesday that Maye is dealing with a shoulder issue.
While the Patriots did not practice on Wednesday, they still had to release a practice participation and injury report ahead of Super Bowl LX — with Maye deemed as “limited” with a right shoulder injury.
Here is New England’s full simulated injury report from Wednesday:
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
TE Hunter Henry (not injury related/rest)
LB Harold Landry III (knee)
T Morgan Moses (not injury related/rest)
T Thayer Munford Jr. (knee/illness)
LB Robert Spillane (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
QB Drake Maye (right shoulder)
WR Mack Hollins (abdomen)
FULL PARTICIPATION
DT Joshua Farmer (hamstring)
RB Terrell Jennings (passed concussion protocol)
Several doctors on social media — including former Chargers team doctor David Chao — noted over the weekend that Maye might have injured his shoulder during the third quarter of Sunday’s eventual 10-7 win over the Broncos in Denver.
During the play in question, Maye was tackled to the ground by Denver linebacker Talanoa Hufanga, slamming his shoulder into the snowy turf at Empower Field at Mile High.
Maye was spotted rotating his shoulder and adjusting his shoulder pads after getting up — and completed a 31-yard pass to Hollins off a flea-flicker just two plays later.
Still, Maye and the Patriots’ passing game labored on Sunday, as the 23-year-old QB completed 10-of-21 throws for 86 yards.
Speaking on WEEI Tuesday, Maye downplayed talk of his being hindered by any injury.
“I’m feeling good. We’ve got some extra rest. I don’t think it’s from the game. I think it’s just the buildup of throwing, including training camp, 30 weeks straight of throwing and four days a week. It can add up,” Maye said. “But I got some extra rest and I’m feeling good and ready to go for the Super Bowl.”
Even if Maye harped on the rest set to be prescribed this week, he was also candid when asked if he might be limited during practices over these next two weeks.
“I think it’s too early to say,” Maye said of his practice status ahead of a Feb. 8 showdown with the Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. “Right now I’m feeling good and looking forward to getting out there and preparing for the Seahawks and prepping to get ready to go,” he added.
Beyond Maye’s status, Spillane’s health is also worth monitoring ahead of Super Bowl LX. New England’s leading tackler suffered an ankle injury during Sunday’s win and did not return to action.
Spillane — who missed time at the end of the regular season with a foot injury — has played a key role on a Patriots defense that has allowed just 26 total points through three playoff games.
The Patriots will hold their first official practice of the week on Thursday at Gillette Stadium.
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