The New England Patriots are facing questions after quarterback Drake Maye played in Super Bowl LX with a right shoulder injury. The injury happened in the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos on January 25, 2026.
Maye took a strong hit from safety Talanoa Hufanga during a 13-yard run. At first, the Patriots listed Maye as limited in practice because of a shoulder injury and an illness.
He missed one session. Later, he joined full practice and the team took him off the final injury report before the game on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium. Maye said before the game that he felt fine.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In the 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Maye completed 27 of 43 passes for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions while also losing a fumble.
Drake Maye had impressive total passing yards, but he struggled against Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense, getting sacked six times and managing only 48 passing yards in the first half.
Late in the fourth quarter, Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu returned one of his interceptions 45 yards for a touchdown, securing Seattle’s second franchise title.
His play gave -0.34 expected points added per dropback, one of the low marks for Super Bowl quarterbacks since 2000.
After the game, Maye said, “I had the shoulder shot up.” He added, “not much feeling. It was good to go, and it felt all right.” In another talk, he said no operation is needed. “Time’s the best healer. Just need time off.”
Even with the injury, Maye did not blame it for his three mistakes with the ball.
New England Patriots may face NFL punishment for Drake Maye decision
This news started a talk that the Patriots hid details. FS1 host Nick Wright said, “the team, let’s call it, fudged information on the final injury report leading into the Super Bowl.”
He added, “the NFL has no choice but to put some type of punishment on the Patriots for their Super Bowl injury report.” Wright said, “I think the NFL is obligated,” maybe a fine or take a sixth-round pick. He pointed to betting, since gambling is legal now.
Nick Wright wants the NFL to punish the Patriots for hiding Drake Maye’s injury
“It is the quarterback of a Super Bowl team that … the team fudged information on the final injury report leading into the Super Bowl.” pic.twitter.com/MuvXsGMR2M
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 11, 2026
In past cases, the NFL fined teams like the Steelers $75,000 and coach Mike Tomlin $25,000 in 2019. The Ravens got $100,000 in 2025.
The Falcons paid $75,000 and coach Arthur Smith $25,000 in 2023. The NFL has not said anything about this case yet. The talk shows that rules need to be clear for fair play.