Tom Brady doesn't participate in Patriots' Thursday practice
Is this a big deal or not?
That’s what football fans — especially those in New England — are asking about news that Tom Brady didn’t practice Thursday because of an injury to his right hand.
Brady was at practice and took part in stretching while the media were present. But once the reporters were asked to leave and game preparations began, Brady was strictly an observer.
And so three days before the AFC Championship game, Tom Brady did not practice due to his hand injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2018
During practice Wednesday, Brady collided with another Patriots player. An unnamed source told the Boston Globe that the injury occurred during a handoff play and that Brady also sustained a cut on the hand.
He received treatment for the injury immediately after practice.
Brady was at practice Thursday, albeit with a glove on the injured hand.
Tom Brady present at practice with glove on right hand https://t.co/ckspa4dNUD
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 18, 2018
Adding to the concern that Brady’s injury was worse than reports indicate, Brady skipped a session with reporters Thursday for the second straight day. He’s now scheduled to meet with the media on Friday, though that could change if he doesn’t practice.
Immediately after the injury, a source close to the team told the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that Brady “should be OK,” and another said simply that Brady “will play” against Jacksonville.
Brady hasn’t missed a game due to injury in almost 10 years, and most don’t believe he’ll miss Sunday’s game.
But there remains some concern as to how an injury might impact Brady’s ability to throw the ball.
Dr. David Chao, former team physician for the San Diego Chargers who now writes a column explaining football injuries for the San Diego Union-Tribune, said an injury to Brady’s throwing hand may affect his ability to grip the football.
“As far as how the injury might affect Brady in Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the Jaguars, it likely will not be a matter of pain or swelling. It will come down to his ability to grip the ball,” Chao wrote. “The concern is that a poor grip could lead to fewer (no) spirals and poor accuracy. Brady can mitigate that effect with a glove, which he has worn on his throwing hand on occasion when playing in cold weather.”
NFL Conference Gambling Breakdown: Huge Money Pouring in on Jaguars as Tom Brady Injury Concerns Grow https://t.co/ZB1CUIPc6X
— The Big Lead (@TheBigLead) January 18, 2018
Concerns over Brady’s injury have forced a move in the betting line of Sunday’s game. The Patriots are now favored to beat Jacksonville by 7.5 points. The Patriots were nine-point favorites at the beginning of the week.
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