As Super Bowl LX draws closer, the health of key players remains a top storyline for both the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. With just nine days until kickoff at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the latest injury reports, released on Friday, January 31, 2026, offer crucial insights, though some clarity remains elusive. Patriots star quarterback Drake Maye’s status is a significant concern after a new development, while key defensive players on both sides face an uncertain path to the championship game. Fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring these updates, understanding their potential to shape Super Bowl LX strategies and outcomes.
Super Bowl LX Injury Landscape: A Critical Look
The intensity of an NFL season often culminates in a Super Bowl where every player’s health can be pivotal. This year, the bye week leading into Super Bowl LX has provided a mixed bag of news for both contenders. While some injuries appear to be precautionary, others present genuine challenges that could alter game plans dramatically. Understanding the nuances of these injury reports, especially the differing approaches from the Patriots and Seahawks, is key to assessing team readiness.
New England Patriots: Quarterback Concern & Defensive Uncertainty
The New England Patriots’ injury report on Friday featured nine players with a “questionable” designation, a unique strategy that sometimes obscures true availability. However, a few names stand out with significant implications for Super Bowl LX.
Drake Maye’s Evolving Status: Illness Adds to Shoulder Concern
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, previously limited with a right shoulder injury, did not participate in Friday’s practice. The reason? An illness. While he was reportedly at the facility for morning meetings, his absence from the field just over a week before Super Bowl LX immediately raised alarms. Head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the team has seen a rise in illnesses recently, stating Maye would have practiced otherwise and had responded “favorably” to recent throwing reps. This suggests his shoulder might be improving.
Interestingly, some early analysis speculated that Maye’s initial shoulder designation could have been “precautionary rest,” a common tactic to preserve a player’s throwing capacity. However, the new illness certainly adds a layer of genuine uncertainty to his Super Bowl LX availability. His presence in team meetings is a positive sign, but the team will undoubtedly prioritize his health and avoid spreading any illness.
Defensive Captains in Doubt: Landry and Spillane Face Uphill Battle
Perhaps the most critical long-term concerns for the Patriots revolve around two defensive captains: outside linebacker Harold Landry III and inside linebacker Robert Spillane. Both players missed practice on Friday, extending a worrisome trend.
Landry, a dominant pass-rusher who led the team with 8.5 sacks, has been managing a knee injury since November. He missed three practices before the AFC Championship and was eventually ruled out of that game. His continued absence from practice since then raises serious doubts about his readiness. Similarly, Spillane, the team’s leading tackler, sustained an ankle injury early in the AFC Championship game and has not logged any practice reps since. This latest setback compounds a previous ankle injury that sidelined him for four games earlier in December. Coach Vrabel remained vague about their Super Bowl prospects, emphasizing the uncertainty with nine days remaining. Their potential absence would be a significant blow to the Patriots’ defensive scheme.
Other Patriots on the Report: Distinguishing True Injury from Caution
Beyond Maye, Landry, and Spillane, other Patriots listed as questionable include running back Terrell Jennings (hamstring after clearing concussion protocol), and offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (knee, illness). However, the Patriots’ broad “questionable” designation extended to players like wide receiver Mack Hollins, tight end Hunter Henry, offensive tackle Morgan Moses, and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, all of whom practiced in full on Friday. This suggests these players are likely healthy and available, with their designations reflecting the team’s comprehensive, yet sometimes opaque, reporting strategy.
Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Line & Depth Challenges
The Seattle Seahawks provided a more detailed injury report, allowing for a clearer picture of their health. While they have fewer players designated as “questionable” for Super Bowl LX, significant concerns exist, particularly along the offensive line and at key skill positions.
Amari Kight’s Doubtful Outlook
Rookie offensive tackle Amari Kight is listed as doubtful for Super Bowl LX due to a knee injury. He has consistently been sidelined since the NFC Divisional Round and did not participate in practice on Friday. His continued absence indicates he is unlikely to play.
Questionable Contingent and Managing Key Starters
The Seahawks list fullback Robbie Ouzts (neck) and fullback Brady Russell (hand) as questionable, with both showing limited participation in practice. Linebacker Chazz Surratt, returning from injured reserve with an ankle issue, notably achieved full participation, suggesting he is on track to play despite his questionable tag.
However, a deeper dive reveals other “meaningful injuries” that Seattle is managing. Starting left tackle Charles Cross, battling a foot issue, did not practice on Friday, though some sources believe he is expected to play barring any new setbacks. Fellow offensive lineman Josh Jones also showed limited participation with ankle and knee issues. Linebackers Ernest Jones IV (chest) and Drake Thomas (shoulder), both new to the injury report this week, were limited participants but are generally expected to be available. Tight end Eric Saubert, however, did not participate due to a new hamstring injury, which could impact offensive formations. Quarterback Sam Darnold was also limited with an oblique issue, though this does not appear to be a major concern for his availability.
Coaching Perspectives and Strategic Implications
Coach Vrabel’s cautious approach to discussing the statuses of Landry and Spillane underscores the genuine uncertainty surrounding their availability. With a bye week, teams have more time for recovery, but serious injuries require more than just rest. The differing philosophies in injury reporting—the Patriots’ broad “questionable” tag versus the Seahawks’ more specific designations—also add layers of interpretation for fans and opposing coaches.
These injury reports are more than just lists of ailments; they are indicators of potential strategic shifts. If Landry and Spillane are out or severely limited, the Patriots’ defensive pass rush and run support will suffer significantly, forcing a reliance on depth. For the Seahawks, challenges on the offensive line or at tight end could impact their blocking schemes and passing game rhythm. The next nine days will be critical for treatment, rehabilitation, and final decisions that could swing the Super Bowl LX championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest update on Patriots QB Drake Maye’s Super Bowl LX availability?
As of Friday, January 31, 2026, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye did not practice due to an illness, though he was present for team meetings. This follows an earlier report where he was limited due to a right shoulder injury. Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Maye would have practiced if not for the illness and that his shoulder was responding favorably to throws. While officially listed as questionable for Super Bowl LX, the illness adds a new dimension to his status, with his availability depending on recovery from this non-shoulder issue.
How do the Patriots’ and Seahawks’ injury reporting styles differ for Super Bowl LX?
The Patriots adopted a broad approach, listing every single player on their injury report as “questionable” for Super Bowl LX, regardless of the severity or reason (including non-injury related rest days). This makes it challenging to discern actual game-day availability. In contrast, the Seahawks provided more specific game statuses, clearly designating tackle Amari Kight as “doubtful” and only a few players as “questionable,” while offering detailed participation levels for all listed players, giving a clearer picture of their health.
Which injured players pose the biggest strategic concerns for Super Bowl LX?
For the Patriots, the biggest strategic concerns are defensive captains Harold Landry III (knee) and Robert Spillane (ankle). Both have missed significant practice time and have a history of recent injuries, with their availability for Super Bowl LX highly uncertain. Their potential absence would severely impact the Patriots’ pass rush and run defense. For the Seahawks, while rookie tackle Amari Kight is doubtful, the ongoing issues for starting left tackle Charles Cross (foot) and tight end Eric Saubert (hamstring) are notable, as they could affect offensive line stability and pass-catching options.
Conclusion: The Countdown to Kickoff
The Super Bowl LX injury report provides a tantalizing glimpse into the health of two championship-bound teams. While the New England Patriots navigate significant uncertainty surrounding their starting quarterback and two defensive stalwarts, the Seattle Seahawks are managing their own set of challenges, particularly along the offensive line and at key skill positions. With just over a week until the biggest game of the year, every passing day brings more clarity—or, in some cases, more questions. The coming days will be crucial as both teams fine-tune their rosters and strategies, hoping for full health as they prepare to battle for the coveted Lombardi Trophy.
