Drake Maye again makes curious comments about potential injury after Patriots' loss to Jaguars

While speaking with reporters following the New England Patriots' 35-6 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Sunday, Patriots starting quarterback Drake Maye declined to strongly deny that the injury to his throwing shoulder that he dealt with in early 2026 is impacting his play this fall.   

During a Monday afternoon appearance on WEEI, Maye was given an opportunity to expand on those comments. What he said may spark more questions than answers regarding his health. 

Is Drake Maye's shoulder bothering him amid his struggles?

"I think we gotta — I don’t think that has anything to do with executing and playing better football and realizing that’s the biggest thing that contributes to winning," Maye said when asked if his "right shoulder and throwing arm feel 100 percent physically," per Conor Ryan of Boston.com.

Earlier on Monday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said he did not "anticipate" Maye's shoulder "being an issue going forward." That said, Maye's performances since he tossed the first of three interceptions in the fourth quarter of New England's Week 1 loss at the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9 have left outsiders wondering if he is either playing through a physical issue or dealing with the "yips." 

According to StatMuse, Maye ended Week 3 responsible for a league-worst seven total turnovers on the season. ESPN stats show he began Tuesday ranked 25th in the NFL out of 30 qualified passers with a 45.9 adjusted QBR for the campaign. Thus far, he has tallied one passing touchdown and no rushing scores.

"Any time I’m out there, and I’m dressed in uniform on the field, I’m gonna play 100 percent and give it my all. That’s kind of what I have to say," Maye said when pressed about a potential shoulder problem. 

Is Drake Maye "managing" a shoulder injury? 

Maye was also asked if shoulder discomfort is something he is "managing every day" this season. 

"I mean, any time that you come out from a game and you’re sore — everybody’s dealing with things from the game," Maye responded. "I wouldn’t say that it’s anything in particular. I think it’s getting back out there and realizing it’s getting ready for this week in practice."

At some point before the 1-2 Patriots play at the 3-0 Buffalo Bills on Oct. 4, Maye almost certainly will face more questions about his shoulder. As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had New England as a seven-point road underdog for that contest.