FOXBOROUGH — Though Drake Maye is managing a shoulder injury, he missed Friday’s practice due to an illness, according to Mike Vrabel.
The second-year Patriots quarterback came to the facility and sat in on meetings, per Vrabel, but wasn’t out there when it was time to hit the field.
“He would have been at practice today if not for the illness,” Vrabel said.
It was the first practice Maye had missed all season, however Vrabel wasn’t concerned.
“Nope,” Vrabel said. “We’ve had a lot of guys over the last month or six weeks here with illnesses. Trying to do what’s best for the player and the team. Trying to take care of guys, don’t spread anything.”
In addition to being sick, Maye injured his shoulder in the AFC Championship Game against the Broncos and was limited in the first practice of the week on Thursday. Vrabel said the shoulder bounced back well from that session.
“I would say favorably,” Vrabel said. “He’s fine.”
Maye also said he was feeling good during his Thursday afternoon press conference.
“This is the game you dream of playing, so looking forward to getting out there and playing in the Super Bowl,” Maye said. “I’m just trying to do whatever I can to get back to 100%. I think a lot of people in that locker room would say the same thing. Having a two-week break is nice to rest a little more and get to know the Seahawks as good as I can.”
Maye said he didn’t expect his shoulder to hinder his ability to throw against the Seahawks in Santa Clara on Feb. 8.
“No, I don’t think so,” Maye said Thursday. “I think that’s why you spend time and why you have good trainers. It’s one of those things where it’s a long season, and sometimes things show up. I do whatever I can to feel 100%. I’m sure I’ll get, if not there, as close as you can, 99%. Make sure I’m throwing and do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Story by Chris Mason, masslive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.