Potential Injury Update Before the 2026 Super Bowl

As the 2026 Super Bowl approaches, there’s a noteworthy injury situation to monitor.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel responded cautiously when asked about quarterback Drake Maye’s health following a chilly 10-7 victory over the Broncos in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.

On Tuesday, he said, “We don’t have any players on our team that are 100 percent healthy,” during an appearance on WEEI’s “Greg Hill Show,” especially in response to speculation about Maye’s shoulder from an “internet doctor.”

When pressed further about Maye’s readiness for high-level play, Vrabel noted, “We’ll be looking at the injury report, and whenever we have to submit it, we’ll submit it. But nobody’s 100 percent. This will be our 21st game.” It’s clear he’s being careful with his words here.

Maye himself mentioned post-game that he dealt with “some bruises and bruises.” Interesting choice of words, isn’t it?

Analysis from online observers indicated that Maye sustained the injury during a third-quarter tackle, immediately reaching for his right shoulder before scrambling back into the huddle. Remarkably, just two plays later, he threw a 31-yard pass to Mack Hollins and attempted a field goal, though it was missed.

Currently, Maye is expected to play in the Super Bowl against a formidable Seahawks defense. With the game set for February 8 in Santa Clara, he’ll have an extra week to prepare, which could be crucial.

If he is, in fact, nursing an injury, he will join Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who is also dealing with an oblique issue.

Interestingly, while Darnold’s participation had seemed uncertain leading up to the NFC Championship Game against the Rams, he played remarkably well, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers.