Tom Brady Misses Practice Due To Illness, Aaron Dobson Back In The Fold
By Cyrus Geller
Jan 11, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gestures at the line in the second half during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
‘Patriot Nation’ broke into a momentary frenzy earlier today, when it was reported that quarterback Tom Brady wasn’t at practice. However it was later reported that Brady was out because of an illness, which should calm everybody back down.
Brady being absent from a Wednesday practice shouldn’t be that surprising, because it has happened in the past, most notably before the 2011 AFC Championship versus the Ravens. According to the beat writers of the team, Brady appeared to have with some kind of cold last week, which gives us an idea of what he is currently dealing with. Ben Volin, of the Boston Globe, points out that Brady led his team to an AFC Championship in 2004 while dealing with the flu, which is something he may have to do this weekend.
Bill Belichick was his usual self when it came to answering questions about Brady, as he simply told reporters that they would have to wait for the injury report to come out, when talking about Brady’s absence.
In other news, wide receiver Aaron Dobson was back at practice according to the injury report, which is a great sign for the Patriots. Dobson is New England’s best outside the numbers threat, and even though the Pats have been extremely dedicated to the run as of late, having Dobson on the outside would really benefit the Patriots. Punter Ryan Allen practiced in a limited role, after injuring his shoulder last week against the Colts. This, along with the fact that New England hasn’t worked out any punters this week, is a sign that the Patriots are confident that he will be ready to go on Sunday. Danny Aiken, the long-snapper, was the only other missing player, as he was also dealing with an illness.
New England Patriots Injury Report
Out:
Tom Brady (shoulder, illness)
Danny Aiken (illness)
Limited:
Danny Amendola (groin)
Kyle Arrington (groin)
Logan Mankins (ankle)
Aaron Dobson (foot)
Ryan Allen (shoulder)
Dane Fletcher (groin)
Shane Vereen (groin)
Alfonzo Dennard (knee, shoulder)
Dont’a Hightower (ankle)
Kenbrell Thompkins (hip, concussion)
Denver Broncos Injury Report
Limited:
Mike Adams (thigh)
Full:
Chris Kuper (ankle)
Peyton Manning (ankle)
Duke Ihenacho (knee)
Joel Dreessen (knee)
Winston Justice (finger)
Kayvon Webster (thumb)