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SANTA CLARA- Drake Maye provided a reassuring update on the right shoulder injury that had limited him in practices the previous week. Speaking at Super Bowl Opening Night last night, Maye said that the cross-country trip and the change in environment marked a significant turning point in his recovery.

“I think I turned a corner landing on the flight,” Maye told reporters, noting that the rest and transition to the West Coast had done him wonders. After a throwing session earlier that day, the young quarterback was adamant that he felt back to his old self.

“I threw a good bit. I threw as much as I would at a normal practice. I felt great and looking forward to getting back out there.”

The shoulder issue originally surfaced following the Patriots’ hard-fought 10–7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship. While some speculated the injury occurred on a specific hit, Maye attributed it more to the “buildup” of a long season, noting that including training camp, he had been throwing for 30 weeks straight. However, any lingering concerns seemed to vanish once the team touched down in the Bay Area.

“I felt good from the flight and throwing out there today, I think it turned the corner,” Maye said confidently. “I really had no doubt being 100% for the game. This is the Super Bowl. We get two weeks to prepare for it and do whatever we got to do to get it right. I’ve got confidence and feel good.”

It is no secret that the Patriots go as Drake Maye goes. If he is healthy, it will make a big difference against a Seahawks defense that will come after him regardless of his health status.

Patriots fans were worried about Maye’s shoulder but barring anything unforeseen happening, they can rest easy now.