Marc Fortier

Report: Brady Jammed Right Hand at Practice; X-Rays Reveal No Structural Damage

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady skipped a scheduled media session Wednesday to meet with the team's medical staff about what the team says is an injury to his right hand.

Brady jammed his throwing hand at practice when a player accidentally ran into him, according to a Boston Herald report. They did have x-rays done, and those showed no structural damage. Barring anything unexpected, Brady is expected to play Sunday.

Brady was one of four players who were scheduled to speak to the media on Wednesday, along with head coach Bill Belichick.

But after tight end Rob Gronkowski, safety Devin McCourty, special teams star Matthew Slater and Belichick had all finished at the podium, there was no Brady.

Just as Belichick was finishing up his remarks, the Patriots tweeted out a cryptic message, saying only, "Tom Brady is with our medical staff and will not be available to the media today."

The team's official injury report released later Wednesday afternoon said Brady was a limited participant at practice due to a right hand injury. Also listed as limited were defensive lineman Alan Branch, offensive lineman LaAdrian Waddle and running backs Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee. All four are suffering from knee injuries.

Brady has shown up on the injury report several times throughout the season with various shoulder and Achilles injuries.

During his time at the podium on Wednesday, Belichick heaped heavy praise on the Jacksonville Jaguars, saying their offense, defense, special teams and coaching are all top notch.

"They're good at everything," he said. "We're going to have to play our best game of the year."

The third-seeded Jaguars will face the top-seeded Patriots on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Gillette Stadium after defeating the favored Pittsburgh Steelers 45-42 last weekend. The Patriots punched their ticket to the title game with a 35-14 drubbing of the Tennessee Titans.

Belichick also said he thinks oft-criticized Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has played well this season.

"He makes good decisions. He's a big, strong, tough guy. Hard to bring down, hard to tackle. He's the triggerman, makes it all happen. He does a good job."

Other Patriots who spoke Wednesday included tight end Rob Gronkowski, safety Devin McCourty, and special teams star Matthew Slater.

All three said they've been impressed with what they've seen of the Jaguars.

"Jacksonville, that's a big challenge," Gronkowski said. "They've got very talented players on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. It's the best team we're facing all year."

The Jaguars are playing in the conference title game for just the third time in franchise history, and first since losing to Tennessee during the 1999 season. Jacksonville is also one of four franchises to never play in the Super Bowl.

The Patriots have made it to the AFC championship game for seven straight seasons. New England has advanced to the Super Bowl in three of the past six years.

Contact Us