New England Patriots veteran quarterback Tom Brady joined Thursday’s practice but the status of his injured hand remains a mystery. During practice, Brady was wearing gloves on both hands, which is not typical as he usually wears one on his non-throwing hand. Earlier, Brady discussed that tried wearing a glove on his throwing hand, but it didn’t go too well. “I think it’s better without," said Brady.
However, the injury might be severe that Brady had to wear gloves on both hands to acclimatize himself before their Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.In Thursday’s injury report, the Patriots listed Brady as limited with a right-hand injury.
The team also announced that Brady’s media availability on Thursday was postponed, but he will talk to the press on Friday where he is expected to reveal the status of his injured hand. After Brady missed his media conference on Wednesday, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reported that the quarterback jammed his hand during practice after colliding with the teammate.
Jim McBride of the Boston Globe said Brady underwent X-rays, but the result came back negative. The Patriots had a perfect attendance in Thursday’s practice, but offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle was seen was riding a stationary bike while the rest of the team stretched.
Stephen Smith thinks Brady’s injury story is bogus
Per NESN.com, Stephen Smith told ESPN’s “First Take” that the storyline about Brady’s injured hand doesn’t deserve much attention, saying it’s a bogus story. “I don’t believe it for one second. I think it’s a non-story, it’s bogus, I’m not even concerned,” said Smith, referring to the story that Brady’s hand got injured while handing the ball to a running back. Smith said that if the Jaguars punish Brady on Sunday, it will not be about his injured hand, but through their outstanding defense.
“I don’t want to hear anything about that nonsense now. He’s just fine,” said Smith. Max Kellerman contradicted Smith’s views, saying Brady’s injury is a cause for concern for the Patriots.
Jaguars head coach makes fun of Brady’s injury
Despite reports about Brady’s injured throwing hand, Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said their preparation remains the same, expecting the Patriots’ veteran quarterback to be at his best Sunday. Marrone even joked about Brady’s situation, saying “I’m sure he could probably throw left-handed if he has a problem with his right hand and throw just as well”, according to Phillip Heilman of the Florida Times-Union. However, the Jaguars’ defense is expected to give Brady a hard time come Sunday, with or without his injury.