New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady wears gloves as he arrives to speak to the media on Friday before Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against Jacksonville
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did not tip his hand when speaking with reporters on Friday ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against visiting Jacksonville.
In fact, the four-time Super Bowl MVP didn’t even take the injured appendage out of a glove during Friday’s press conference, going so far as to refuse to discuss the injury with the media.
‘I’m not talking about that,’ he said when asked about his hand and status for Sunday’s game.
The 40-year-old Brady jammed his hand when a teammate accidentally ran into him Wednesday, according to multiple reports. He called off his Wednesday press conference to be examined by the Patriots’ medical staff and then after missing practice on Thursday, he pushed the media session to Friday where he was less than forthcoming.
‘I was out there,’ Brady said when asked if he was a full participant in Friday’s practice.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady warms up during an NFL football practice on Friday. The four-time Super Bowl MVP refused to discuss his status or his injured hand
(Left) Brady talks with Patriots coach Bill Belichick before Friday’s practice. (Right) makes a pass during the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans
It’s not even known if Brady threw the football on Friday.
He was seen sporting two gloves during the portion of practice that was open to the media, but reporters were forced to leave before any team or individual drills commenced.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick wasn’t any more helpful earlier in the day, responding with his typical short answers when pressed about the quarterback’s status.
‘Yeah, we gave out the injury report yesterday. We’ll update it today,’ Belichick said at Friday’s press conference.
Belichick’s answer was followed with ‘I don’t know, we’ll see’ when asked for his level of concern about Brady being able to play with the injury Sunday.
Reporters tried again to find out more, asking Belichick how much Brady’s status complicates the planning process.
‘I don’t know,’ the coach responded.
And when asked if Brady could be a game-time decision, Belichick said, ‘Today is Friday.’
Tom Brady (No. 12) and backup Brian Hoyer (No. 2) warm up on Friday. Hoyer rejoined the Patriots in 2017 after the team traded promising backup Jimmy Garoppolo to San Francisco
Brady was on the field in a red non-contact jersey with red gloves on both hands Thursday for on-field stretching, which is the portion of the workout open to media.
Belichick gave his stock answer when asked if the Patriots had considered adding a third quarterback to their roster.
‘We’re going to get ready for Jacksonville. Do the best that we can. Make the best decisions we can for the team to do that. So that’s what we’re going to do,’ Belichick said.
Veteran Brian Hoyer is Brady’s backup and the only other quarterback on the roster. He took all the repetitions in Thursday’s practice.
‘Brian does a great job for us,’ Belichick said. ‘Works hard. Practices hard.’
Belichick was also asked if he regretted trading former backup Jimmy Garoppolo, who went 5-0 after being traded to the San Francisco 49ers.
‘We’re getting ready for Jacksonville,’ said Belichick.