New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suffered an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder in their close 19-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday where he was sacked three times and hit six times. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, Brady was not seen during the Patriots’ practice Tuesday. However, Rapoport said Brady will not miss the Patriots’ showdown against the New York Jets (3-2). The 40-year-old Brady has not missed a game due to injury since 2008 when he tore his ACL in the season-opener. So far, the Patriots’ offensive line has failed to protect Brady as it allowed 16 sacks this season, one more than the veteran quarterback took in all of 2016.
In five games this season, Brady completed 133 of 195 passes for 1,702 yards and 11 touchdowns with just one interception. The Patriots lead the league in total yards with 419.4 yards and in passing yards with 320.4 yards.
No new injury for Sam Bradford
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford suffered no new injury, based on a latest MRI. According to Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman, Bradford is dealing with knee wear and tear due to his previous surgeries. Bradford started in their 20-17 win over the Chicago Bears but he was visibly limited due to the knee issue. He completed five of 11 passes for 36 yards with no touchdown and interception before he was replaced by Case Keenum late in the first half.
Keenum completed 17 of 21 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown as the Vikings improved to 3-2.
The Vikings also re-evaluated their other quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, who has been placed in the physically unable to perform list since the start of the season due to his continued recovery from last year's major knee injury.
If he is fit to play, he is eligible to return after Week 6. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Bridgewater will play at some point in the season but he did not give an exact date.
Texans sign new defensive players
After losing three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt and linebacker Whitney Mercilus to season-ending injuries, the Houston Texans signed outside linebacker Lamarr Houston and signed defensive end Kendall Langford, according to Rapoport.
Houston started in 60 of 64 games with the Oakland Raiders before signing a five-year, $35-million deal with the Bears in 2014. However, he suffered a torn ACL eight games into that season. When he returned in 2016, Houston tore the ACL in his other knee. In the offseason, the Bears released Houston via an injury settlement.
