FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots starting quarterback Drake Maye didn’t practice Friday because of illness, coach Mike Vrabel said.
Maye’s absence — nine days before the Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX — comes at the same time he is managing a right shoulder injury sustained in the AFC Championship Game this past Sunday.
“We’ve had a lot of guys over the last month, six weeks here, with illness. So, again, 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,” Vrabel said.
On Thursday, Maye was a limited participant in practice because of his shoulder. In the time reporters were present at Thursday’s practice, Maye and the team’s other quarterbacks did not throw.
Vrabel said the shoulder responded “favorably.”
Maye had not missed a practice all season before Friday. He was present at the facility earlier Friday and involved in meetings, according to Vrabel.
“I’m looking forward to being ready to go,” Maye said Thursday. “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.”
Asked if he thinks his shoulder injury might limit his ability to throw in the game, Maye said: “No, I don’t think so. That’s why you have [athletic] 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%.”
In Maye’s absence at practice, nine-year veteran Joshua Dobbs moves up to No. 1 on the depth chart, followed by third-year player Tommy DeVito.
Patriots players are scheduled to be off Saturday before the team travels to California on Sunday. The Patriots are scheduled to hold four practices in California.
