The New England Patriots are staring down the barrel of a huge game in Buffalo and QB Drake Maye's shoulder is a big question mark. Maye was urged to follow a Tom Brady strategy after a tough game in Week 3 at Jacksonville in Week 3.

Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal shared an update on Maye's shoulder from head coach Mike Vrabel that has confirms what many fans already realized.

“Vrabel confirms what McDaniels said, that the ‘injury' happened on Sunday in Jax,” Giardi wrote.

Vrabel also said that the Patriots are trying to “follow the protocol” and be “transparent” in listing Drake Maye on this week's injury report. Maye was listed under the “no game status given” section but is expected to play against the Bills.

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Maye is a candidate for a fantasy football comeback after a rough outing in central Florida last week cast doubt on his future performances. The Patriots' defense also had a rough week against the Jaguars and things have gone from bad to worse in light of Christian Barmore and Christian Gonzalez's injury updates.

The Patriots have huge targets on their backs after last year's Super Bowl run, as does Maye after his nearly flawless 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, Josh Allen and this week's opponent, Buffalo, is chomping at the bit to show they are worthy of a Super Bowl run after the Patriots jumped in line last season.

Maye has the health to go blow-for-blow with Allen and the Patriots in Week 4, but it won't be easy. His willingness to put his banged-up body on the line will be a storyline to watch against a hard-hitting Bills defense looking to make a splash at Highmark Stadium.