Concerns grow over Drake Maye’s shoulder ahead of Super Bowl LX
Concerns are mounting over the fitness of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye ahead of Super Bowl LX, with speculation swirling that the second-year signal-caller may have sustained damage to his throwing shoulder, reports BritPanorama.
Dr David Chao, a former team physician for the San Diego Chargers, raised alarms on Monday evening, asserting that Maye injured his right shoulder during the AFC Championship victory against the Denver Broncos.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter when Maye scrambled for 13 yards before being brought down by Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga. Television footage displayed the 23-year-old landing awkwardly on his right shoulder and subsequently reaching for his shoulder pad area.
Speaking to ESPN, Maye admitted he was carrying “some bumps and bruises” after the game, saying, “But hey, that’s what it takes. I think a lot of those guys in that locker room are battling through things. At the same time, the best thing about it is we have another chance at it. Another chance at it to get healthy. Two weeks — a chance to go win the Super Bowl.”
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel provided little clarity on Maye’s condition during an appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show, stating, “There’s not a player on our team that’s 100 per cent healthy.” When asked if Maye could still perform at an elite level, he refused to elaborate.
Vrabel added, “I would imagine we’ll go through the injury report, and whenever we have to turn that in, we’ll turn it in. But nobody is 100 per cent. This will be our 21st game.” This cautious stance aligns with the media management approach of his predecessor, Bill Belichick.
Insights from Patriots insider Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal aimed to temper the prevailing fears, suggesting via X that any injury Maye may have sustained is not believed to be significant. Dr Jesse Morse, another medical analyst, highlighted potential diagnoses ranging from a posterior capsular sprain to a labral tear; however, no official confirmation has been made.
As the Patriots prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks on 8 February, they enter the match as 4.5-point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook. All eyes will be on the Wednesday practice report for further insight into Maye’s physical state before the championship clash.
For the Patriots, the weight of anticipation builds. The Super Bowl, a stage that could define careers, stands just weeks away, with the quarterbacks’ health perhaps more crucial than ever. In this arena, where fortunes can shift in a play, the fine line between glory and disappointment has seldom been so taut.
