Mike Vrabel says "not much" concern over Drake Maye's shoulder injury

All eyes were on quarterback Drake Maye Thursday during the first Patriots practice leading up to the Super Bowl after he was listed as limited with a right shoulder injury on the team's estimated practice report the day before. Before the latest practice session, head coach Mike Vrabel said he is not overly concerned about his quarterback's health.

Maye was present during Thursday's practice, but did not throw during the portion that was open to the media. None of the team's quarterbacks threw during the open portion of practice. Maye is scheduled to meet with reporters Thursday after practice.

You can watch Drake Maye's news conference live on CBS News Boston around 4 p.m. by clicking on the video player embedded in this article.

New England will hold practice sessions on Thursday and Friday. After a day off Saturday, the team is welcoming fans for a send-off rally at Gillette Stadium Sunday before leaving for Santa Clara, Calif.

Thursday's practice was held indoors.

Robert Spillane, who left the AFC Championship Game with an ankle injury, did not practice on Thursday. Harold Landry, Marte Mapu, Hunter Henry and Thayer Munford were not spotted as practice got underway.

Drake Maye shoulder injury

Vrabel was asked about Maye's health on Thursday after speaking about it earlier in the week. 

He was specifically asked about a report that Maye was dealing with a shoulder issue before the Broncos game and then aggravated it. 

"No because then he would have been listed on the injury report before then," Vrabel said.

The coach was then asked his level of concern about Maye's shoulder.

"Not much. I try not to have a whole lot of concern," Vrabel said. "I just try to prepare the football team and make sure that everybody's ready and that we all have a plan and not to surprise anybody, and make sure that our guys are focused on the first and second down plan. I know we tried to map out the week and a half and not focus on the end of it, but focus on what we can do today and try to learn our opponent and be ready for first and second down."

Vrabel spoke about Maye's shoulder on Tuesday, saying that no one is 100% healthy this time of year. The questions came after online speculation that Maye suffered an injury in the AFC Championship Game.

Maye himself acknowledged on WEEI Tuesday that the extra throwing from training camp through the playoffs can add up, but said he's "feeling good." 

After an MVP-caliber season, Maye has struggled in his first three postseason games. He's come under fire from three of the top defenses in the league during games against the Chargers, Texans and Broncos.

That will be the case again on February 8 as the Patriots play the Seattle Seahawks, another elite defense, in the Super Bowl.

Vrabel was asked how the team will handle preparations given Maye's injury.

"I think we're going to operate as we normally would on a Wednesday. Even though it's Thursday, this is Wednesday for us. And that's kind of how we'll approach it," Vrabel said.

Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub

Vrabel was asked about Bill Belichick, who coached him for eight years in New England, being left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot. The decision prompted anger from many, including President Trump.

"I'm sure Bill will get in. That's something that's well out of my control. I know that the time here with Bill were eight great years," Vrabel said. "The teammates and everyone else we have, I'm sure that Bill will get into Canton."

Vrabel was asked if preparing for a Super Bowl has given him a greater appreciation for Belichick. 

"I think the record speaks for itself. My experiences don't give me any less or any great affinity for Bill as a coach and somebody I played for," Vrabel said.

Terrell Williams update

Vrabel provided a positive updated on defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who has been away from the job while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

The coach said Williams is "doing well" and will head to California to be with the team during Super Bowl week.

"He's excited about traveling with us," Vrabel said. "We're excited about having him."

Drake Maye mic'd up

Maye wore a microphone during the AFC Championship Game, giving a behind the scenes look at what he's like during the game.

Maye was largely quiet, at times expressed frustration with the lack of progress by the offense, and then was boisterous as he ran for the first down that sealed the win.

Vrabel was asked about how Maye has developed as a competitor throughout the season.

"I think that comes out in numerous ways and people see different things. You can be a yeller, a screamer, you can paint your face black, and scream and yell with eye black and be a competitor," Vrabel said. "Or you can be a little bit more laid back and still compete when the ball is snap. And I'd say that's probably more what Drake is. You guys get a little bit of a glimpse how he is when he's mic'd up."

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