The 23-year-old appeared to injure his right shoulder in the third quarter of New England’s 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos, where he grabbed the shoulder after being hit on a scramble. He said he would do whatever it takes to return to 100 percent.
“I’m just going to try to do whatever I can to get back to 100%,” Maye said. He added that the two-week break should help him rest and prepare, and he stressed that he doesn’t believe his throwing ability will be inhibited. He said he did throw on Thursday and participated in jog-through work.
Head coach Mike Vrabel characterized Maye’s concern level as “not much” during a Thursday press conference. Maye previously indicated he threw and did some jog-through work as the team continues to monitor his progress.
In the regular season, Maye completed 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions, adding 421 rushing yards and two rushing TDs. In the playoffs, his passing numbers dropped to 55.8% for 533 yards with four TDs and two INTs despite 15 sacks; he has been more productive on the ground with 141 rushing yards and one rushing TD in three postseason games.
The Patriots will need Maye at or near his best in the Super Bowl against the Seahawks, whose defense allowed a league-low 17.1 points per game this season. The two-week layoff should aid his recovery and preparation as New England aims to cap a championship run.
