Concerns are mounting over the fitness of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye ahead of Super Bowl LX, with speculation swirling that the second-year signal-caller may have sustained damage to his throwing shoulder.
Dr David Chao, who served as the San Diego Chargers' team physician for 17 years, sparked alarm on Monday evening by asserting that Maye had injured his right shoulder during Sunday's AFC Championship triumph against the Denver Broncos.
"There's no question Drake Maye has a right shoulder injury," Chao declared in an online video that quickly gained traction across social media platforms.
The Patriots are scheduled to face the Seattle Seahawks on 8 February.
Concerns have grown over Drake Maye's shoulder ahead of the Super Bowl
|REUTERS
The incident in question occurred late in the third quarter when Maye scrambled for 13 yards before being brought down by Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Television footage showed the 23-year-old landing awkwardly on his right shoulder and subsequently reaching for his shoulder pad area.
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Speaking to ESPN, Maye conceded he was carrying "some bumps and bruises" following the contest.
"But hey, that's what it takes," he added. "I think a lot of those guys in that locker room are battling through things.
"At the same time, the best thing about it is we have another chance at it. Another chance at it to get healthy. Two weeks — a chance to go win the Super Bowl."
Drake Maye has admitted he has some bumps and bruises but he has two weeks to get fit for the Super Bowl
|REUTERS
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel offered little clarity when pressed on the matter during an appearance on WEEI's The Greg Hill Show on Tuesday morning.
"There's not a player on our team that's 100 per cent healthy," Vrabel stated when questioned about Maye's condition.
Asked whether his quarterback remained capable of performing at an elite level, the coach deflected.
"I would imagine we'll go through the injury report, and whenever we have to turn that in, we'll turn it in," he responded. "But nobody is 100 per cent. This will be our 21st game."
The guarded approach echoed the media management style of his predecessor, Bill Belichick.
Wednesday's practice report is expected to shed further light on Maye's physical state ahead of the championship clash.
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Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel gave up very little when asked about Drake Maye's injury concerns
|REUTERS
Patriots insider Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal sought to temper fears on Monday evening, writing on X: "The information that I have at this moment is that any Maye 'injury' to his throwing shoulder is not believed to be an issue."
Dr Jesse Morse, another medical analyst, suggested possible diagnoses ranging from a posterior capsular sprain to a labral tear, though no official confirmation has emerged.
New England enter the contest as 4.5-point underdogs against Seattle, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.