With just nine days remaining until Super Bowl LX kicks off at Levi's Stadium, the biggest storyline heading into the championship showdown isn't the tactical matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks—it's the health of the two men under center. In a concerning development for both franchises, starting quarterbacks Drake Maye and Sam Darnold were listed as limited participants in Friday's practice session, casting a shadow over the early preparations for the February 8 clash.
Drake Maye Injury Update: Patriots Managing Shoulder Issue
For the New England Patriots, the status of second-year sensation Drake Maye is the primary source of anxiety. The Drake Maye injury update released this afternoon confirmed that the young quarterback was limited in team drills due to a right shoulder issue. Maye, who has led the Patriots back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the Brady-Belichick era, appeared to favor his throwing arm during the open portion of practice.
Despite the designation, Maye was quick to downplay the severity of the situation during his media availability. "It's just maintenance at this point in the season," Maye told reporters in Foxborough before the team prepares to travel to Santa Clara. "My shoulder feels fine. We're just being smart with the reps so I can let it rip next Sunday. There's no doubt in my mind I'll be 100% for the game."
Sources close to the team suggest that the Patriots are exercising extreme caution with their franchise cornerstone. After a grueling 17-game season and two playoff victories, managing Drake Maye's shoulder injury is a priority to ensure his signature deep-ball accuracy remains intact against a formidable Seahawks secondary.
Sam Darnold Super Bowl LX Status: Oblique Strain Lingers
On the NFC side, the Sam Darnold Super Bowl LX narrative continues to be one of the season's most compelling comeback stories. However, the veteran quarterback is dealing with his own physical hurdle—an oblique strain that restricted his movement during Seattle's practice on Thursday and Friday. Oblique injuries are notoriously tricky for quarterbacks, affecting the torque and rotation necessary for high-velocity throws.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the NFL injury report today, expressing optimism about Darnold's trajectory. "Sam is a warrior. He's trending toward a full recovery and we expect him to be a full participant by the time we hit the field in the Bay Area," Macdonald stated. For Darnold, returning to Levi's Stadium—where he spent the 2023 season revitalizing his career with the 49ers—adds a poetic layer to the matchup. His ability to mobilize and extend plays has been crucial for Seattle's offense, making his oblique health a key factor to watch.
Patriots vs Seahawks News: Impact on Game Planning
The Patriots vs Seahawks news cycle has been dominated by speculation on how these limitations might alter the game plans. If Maye's shoulder limits his vertical passing game, New England may lean more heavily on their ground attack to expose Seattle's run defense. Conversely, if Darnold's oblique limits his mobility, the Patriots' pass rush could feast on a stationary target.
As of now, the Super Bowl 60 quarterback status for both teams remains "Limited," but neither player is expected to miss the game. The coming days will be critical as teams finalize their installations before flying to California. The official NFL practice reports next Wednesday will be the first true indicator of whether these limitations are genuine concerns or simply standard late-season load management.
What to Watch For Next Week
As the teams arrive in Santa Clara for Super Bowl week, all eyes will be on the first practice sessions at the local facilities. If either quarterback remains limited past Wednesday, panic buttons might start to get pressed. For now, fans of both franchises are holding their breath, hoping that this week's injury report is nothing more than a precautionary footnote in history.
