Tom Brady, Eric Rowe not present for start of Patriots practice on Tuesday

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and cornerback Eric Rowe were not present at the start of practice on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Rowe has been dealing with a groin injury, while Brady could miss his first practice all year. There is a chance both joined practice after the media left, but since there isn’t an injury report we might not find out.

While Rowe’s absence shouldn’t be too much of a surprise- he didn’t practice all of last week because of the injury- Brady’s availability should be monitored. The 40-year-old quarterback has been hit at an extremely high rate and was slow to peel himself off the turf at times against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hopefully his absence is simply a veteran’s day off and is not related to any more serious injury.

The Patriots offensive line has allowed 16 sacks (8th worst in the NFL) and 33 quarterback hits (tied-7th worst) this year and are on pace to easily exceed the 24 sacks and 73 hits allowed last season by a wide margin.

With Brady absent and practice squad quarterback Taylor Heinicke released, the lone quarterback at practice was Jimmy Garoppolo.