Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos during the second half in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. From reports of Darnold not throwing in practice, to Drew Lock taking first team practice reps in practice, there was no shortage of ink spilled on the subject of whether Darnold would be able to take the field or not. Darnold, of course, played, and then played perhaps the best game of his career the next week against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementNow, with the Super Bowl just ten days away, the shoe is on the other foot, as it is New England Patriots starting quarterback Drake Maye who is battling a shoulder injury and not throwing in the open portions of practice Thursday. The entirety of the Patriots practice was not open to the media, but during the early portions of practice in which the New England quarterbacks went through throwing drills, Maye was an observer according to a report from Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald.