Belichick Tight-Lipped On Brady's Status, But Confirms Offensive Linemen Vollmer, Jackson Out For Season
BOSTON (CBS) -- Bill Belichick declined to address quarterback Tom Brady's status with his injured knee in his Friday press conference, but confirmed that tackle Sebastian Vollmer (hip) and guard Tre' Jackson (knee) will not return this season.
As Belichick typically does with injured players when their status for the next game is up in the air, the Patriots head coach deferred to the injury report. Brady was listed as "Did Not Participate" on Wednesday and Thursday as the QB is nursing a knee injury he suffered against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10, but is expected to return to practice on Friday and play on Sunday against the New York Jets, according to the Boston Globe's Jim McBride.
"We'll list Tom on the injury report like we always do," Belichick said. He then added to the reporter who asked the question, "Was that the answer you were hoping for? ... I don't want to disappoint you."
Vollmer and Jackson, meanwhile, started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and were long-shots to return to the field in 2016. Fortunately, the Patriots have found stability and good health with the offensive linemen they have. The five-man group of tackle Nate Solder, rookie guard Joe Thuney, center David Andrews, guard Shaq Mason, and tackle Marcus Cannon has played every offensive snap in each of the past two games.
The Patriots will have to hope that their current group on the offensive line stays healthy, as they are left with only rookie guard Ted Karras and tackles Cameron Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle on the depth chart.
Elsewhere on the Patriots injury report, tight end Martellus Bennett (ankle) did not participate, while Rob Gronkowski (chest) was limited. Gronk is still expected to miss his second straight game on Sunday at the Jets, according to ESPN.
