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Patriots rookie phenom Drake Maye missed Friday’s practice with an illness, adding another wrinkle to his Super Bowl LX preparation as he also deals with a banged-up shoulder.
Head coach Mike Vrabel downplayed concerns about his star quarterback’s absence – just nine days before New England faces Seattle on football’s biggest stage.
“We’ve had a lot of guys over the last month, six weeks here, with illness,” Vrabel explained. “Just trying to do what’s best for the player and the team. I’m trying to take care of guys — don’t spread anything.”
This marks the first practice Maye has missed all season. Despite being sidelined from on-field work, the rookie QB was at the facility earlier Friday and participated in team meetings.
The illness comes while Maye is already nursing a right shoulder injury suffered during Sunday’s dramatic AFC Championship victory. He was limited in Thursday’s session, and reporters noticed neither Maye nor any other Patriots quarterbacks threw passes during the media viewing period.
Vrabel indicated the shoulder has responded “favorably” to treatment.
Maye himself projected confidence about his Super Bowl availability when speaking to reporters Thursday.
“I’m looking forward to being ready to go,” the rookie sensation said. “This is the game you dream of playing in, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl.”
When questioned if the shoulder issue might affect his throwing ability in the championship game, Maye dismissed those concerns.
“No, I don’t think so,” he said. “That’s why you have trainers. I’m going to do whatever I can to feel 100%. I’m sure I’ll get, if not there, as close as you can — 99%.”
Veteran backup Joshua Dobbs stepped into the first-team role during Friday’s practice.
The nine-year journeyman now sits atop the quarterback depth chart – at least temporarily – with third-year signal-caller Tommy DeVito handling second-team duties.
Upcoming Schedule
Patriots players will enjoy a day off Saturday before the team heads west to California on Sunday. Once there, New England has scheduled four practice sessions leading up to the franchise’s surprise Super Bowl appearance.
The team’s remarkable playoff run behind their rookie quarterback has energized a fanbase that expected a rebuilding year after Bill Belichick’s departure.
