After skipping the first two days of voluntary organized team activities (OTAs), New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has many fans worried, especially since he’s a familiar fixture during OTAs in the past. In past interviews, Brady emphasized the importance of OTAs in developing chemistry and camaraderie between old and new players. This year’s OTA is important to the Patriots, as they have new several players in the fold, including first-round picks offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn and running back Sony Michel. However, Brady has decided to give more time to his family as they traveled to different parts of the globe recently.

Brady hasn’t spoken to the media about his absence, while head coach Bill Belichick refused to comment on the absence of his long-time quarterback and tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Brady’s Instagram photo has many fans wondering

In an Instagram post, Brady had fans wondering after he posted a photo of himself throwing during a Patriots practice. Brady accompanied the photo with the caption “Dreamworks,” making fans wonder more about the message that he wants to impart. According to Zack Cox of NESN.com, the photo was not from the Patriots latest OTA session as they did not practice on Wednesday. Also, Brady was in full pads in the photo.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic later tweeted that Brady’s Instagram post was in reference to some of his business commitments that he’s been fulfilling this week and has nothing to do with the Patriots.

Aside from Brady and Gronkowski, several other Patriots players were absent during OTAs, including wide receivers Malcolm Mitchell and Cody Hollister, defensive end Trey Flowers, cornerback Jonathan Jones, guard Joe Thuney, running back Brandon Bolden, safety David Jones, and linebacker Dont’a Hightower.

Kraft understands Brady’s absence

Earlier, Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston said Brady will attend the team’s mandatory minicamp on June 5-7. In an interview with the media in the sidelines of the NFL's Spring Meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday (May 23), Patriots owner Robert Kraft confirmed Curran’s report, saying he expects Brady to attend the minicamp. “I think he's very excited about the upcoming season," Kraft said, adding that he recently talked to Brady, whom he expects to be in top shape when he reports.

According to Kraft, Brady is attending to some of his business commitments and responsibilities, which he could not perform during the season. Kraft added that he has no problem with the absence of both Brady and Gronkowski in OTAs, saying these activities are purely voluntary. Kraft added that he also expects Gronkowski to be present in the minicamp.