Maye Denies Shoulder Issues as Patriots QB Struggles Early in Season

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye appeared on the injury report for the first time this season with a right shoulder concern, prompting questions about whether the injury from last year's AFC Championship game continues to affect his performance. Through three games, Maye has thrown just one touchdown pass while committing seven turnovers, leading the entire league in that category. When asked directly about the shoulder, Maye indicated the injury is not impacting his play and blamed poor decision-making and turnovers for the team's offensive struggles.

Drake Maye's early season performance has raised concerns about whether last winter's shoulder injury from the AFC Championship contest is affecting his ability to execute. The young quarterback has recorded a league-leading seven turnovers through the opening three weeks, consisting of six interceptions and one fumble, while managing just a single touchdown pass. Despite appearing on the injury report with a right shoulder concern ahead of Week 4, Maye insisted the injury does not influence his play.

Head coach Mike Vrabel echoed this assessment, stating he has no awareness of any lingering health issues from the previous season's game. The coach indicated that standard NFL maintenance and pre-game routines are normal for all players and should not be interpreted as signs of concern. Both Maye and Vrabel attributed the offensive struggles to decision-making errors and ball security rather than any physical limitations.