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

Head coach Mike Vrabel held a news conference Thursday afternoon as the Patriots are set to take the practice field on Thursday for the first time ahead of Super Bowl LX. 

All eyes at practice will be on quarterback Drake Maye, who was listed as limited with a right shoulder injury on Wednesday's estimated practice report. But Vrabel said he is not overly concerned about his quarterback's shoulder.

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 will be held indoors.

Vrabel said linebacker Robert Spillane, who left the AFC Championship Game with an ankle injury, will not practice on Thursday.

Drake Maye shoulder injury

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

He was 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." The quarterback is scheduled to meet with reporters Thursday after practice, which takes place at 2:45 p.m.

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.

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.