Maye, a second-year quarterback and MVP finalist, has been limited in practice due to the combination of the shoulder issue and illness. His availability for the Super Bowl remains in question, placing additional pressure on the Patriots’ depth chart entering the big game.
Dobbs, a fourth‑round pick by the Steelers in 2017, has spent time with the Titans, Cardinals, Vikings and 49ers before signing with New England this offseason. In 2023, he produced 2,464 passing yards with 13 touchdowns in 13 games between the Cardinals and Vikings, along with 421 rushing yards and six rushing scores, marking his best pro season to date and underscoring his value as a reliable backup.
On Friday, Dobbs spoke about taking first-team reps and his preparation mindset. “Yeah, it was good, good day … Just another day of prep,” he said, noting the team ran through the offense and worked to “bank good reps together.” He added, “100 percent … that’s been my mindset since I got here,” emphasizing his approach regardless of whether he’s in the huddle or behind another player.
Dobbs also discussed what he has learned in New England, praising offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the system they’ve installed. He described it as a “very successful offense” and said the year has been one of growth, with the team putting in the work as they prepare for the game of a lifetime.
With Maye’s availability still up in the air, Dobbs is bearing down on the possibility of stepping into a high-stakes moment. He framed the upcoming game as “the biggest game in the world for a reason,” reaffirming the Patriots’ readiness to adapt and compete at the sport’s highest level, should Maye be unavailable.
Bottom line: New England entered Super Bowl LX prepared for Maye to play, but with the quarterback’s health still uncertain, the team’s veteran backup—Joshua Dobbs—has established himself as a credible option to lead the offense in a title chase that could hinge on one big moment.
