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Patriots Coach Downplays Maye Shoulder Injury Concerns
Vrabel says 'there's going to be things that come up' as team prepares for Super Bowl
Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:07pm
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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel downplayed concerns about a potential shoulder injury to quarterback Drake Maye, saying that players deal with "bumps and bruises" at this point in the season. Vrabel said the team will address each player's status closer to the Super Bowl, but emphasized that the offense was still able to function effectively in the AFC Championship game.
Why it matters
Maye's health is crucial for the Patriots' chances in the Super Bowl, as he has been a key part of their offense all season. Any injury concerns could impact their game plan and preparations, so Vrabel's comments aim to manage expectations and keep the focus on the team's overall readiness for the big game.
The details
Several doctors had raised the possibility that Maye sustained a shoulder injury during the AFC Championship game, but Vrabel dismissed those concerns. He said that "anybody, including Drake, is not 100 percent at this part of the year" and the team will do what it can to get players prepared. Maye was able to make a key first down play late in the game to seal the win.
- The AFC Championship game took place on Sunday, January 26, 2026.
The players
Mike Vrabel
Head coach of the New England Patriots.
Drake Maye
Quarterback for the New England Patriots.
Jonah Elliss
Defensive player for the Denver Broncos.
Christian Gonzalez
Cornerback for the New England Patriots.
TreVeyon Henderson
Running back for the New England Patriots.
What they’re saying
“There's nothing that I could say on there that could be used against me when I come back in here. So, going forward, that's what I'm going to say.”
— Mike Vrabel, Head Coach (Boston Globe)
“I think [there are] some bumps and bruises, but hey, that's what it takes. I think a lot of those guys in that locker room are battling through things, and I think at the same time, the best thing about it is we get another chance at it.”
— Drake Maye (Boston Globe)
“As a kid, you watch the Super Bowl, we always used to have Super Bowl parties. You just dream of it, playing, sitting there as a little kid knowing that you want to go to the NFL. Watching the biggest game of the NFL season, it's the one that everybody wants to play in.”
— Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback (Boston Globe)
“It's honestly crazy to be going to the Super Bowl. I just remember going into the season like, 'OK, I've got to face reality. We're not going to win every game, it's not going to be like college anymore. It's obviously going to be hard, going to be a rough season.' And it's just like, man, we're here. Now, it's time to win the big one. The job is not finished yet, and so we look forward to this matchup. We've got to prepare and work hard.”
— TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back (Boston Globe)
What’s next
The Patriots will face their Super Bowl opponent in two weeks, giving the team time to rest and prepare for the big game.
The takeaway
Despite some minor injury concerns, the Patriots appear focused on the task at hand - winning the Super Bowl. Vrabel's comments suggest the team is taking a measured approach to player health, prioritizing overall readiness over specific injury updates at this stage.
