Home/Articles/NFL
NFL·INJURY·October 2, 2026 05:09 AM ET

McDaniels says Maye's confidence steady after Jaguars shoulder ding

Quarterback practiced fully Friday

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read
Post on X
Patriots Friday 🏈11:35a: Practice 🎙️1:10p: Mike Vrabel 🔒🚪1:20p: Locker room NOTES: OC Josh McDaniels - no shift in Q Via @MikeReiss on X

What happened: New England kept Drake Maye on a normal workload after he took a hit to the shoulder on a run against Jacksonville. Defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr called Josh Allen "MVP-caliber" and said he is playing "MVP football." Mike Vrabel was scheduled to speak after the session as the Patriots wrapped Friday work.

Why it matters: The shoulder note matters because the Patriots are trying to keep their offense stable around Maye early in the regular season. Kuhr's assessment underscores the next challenge for a defense preparing for a quarterback it views as an MVP-level problem.

By the numbers: Per ESPN, Maye completed 354 of 492 passes for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 17 games in 2025. New England entered the week at 1-2.

What to watch: The next game-status update will show whether the shoulder issue carries any designation beyond a full Friday practice. Vrabel's post-practice comments could further define how New England frames Maye's week and the Allen matchup.

Sources

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
NFLInjuryNew England PatriotsJacksonville JaguarsDrake MayeJosh Allen
Follow NFL Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportNFL
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report