New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was supposed to start the Patriots’ second preseason game last Thursday. He didn’t. He was supposed to practice the last two days. He didn’t. Of course, the quarterback’s absence was a topic of conversation and speculation.
However, they were put to rest today: Brady was back at practice. And, according to Ryan Hannable, the Patriots’ passer did not appear to be impacted in anyway by the cut thumb that forced him to miss last week’s game.
Brady was not the only player returning to practice: edge defender Jabaal Sheard and safety Patrick Chung were also spotted during the 20-minute window reporters are allowed to watch practice.
Sheard was not seen on the field since New England’s first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. As was reported earlier today, the 27-year old sprained his MCL in that game. Consequently, he started today’s session with the warmup/condition group that also included fellow defenders Rob Ninkovich and Shea McClellin, wideouts Danny Amendola (still on PUP) and Malcolm Mitchell as well as guard Tre' Jackson (also still on PUP).
Chung missed yesterday’s session due to undisclosed reasons. However, he was back today and appeared to be a full participant. Both he and Sheard are starters and integral members of the Patriots’ defense, so seeing them return is certainly good news.
While Brady, Sheard and Chung were back at the session, six players were not spotted: running back Dion Lewis (knee), guards Jonathan Cooper (foot) and Shaq Mason (hand), offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (everything), tight end Rob Gronkowski (lower body) and defensive tackle Alan Branch (team suspension).
All six missed yesterday’s session as well.