Brady Ready For Santa Claus, Football
BOSTON (CBS) -- Tom Brady was still a little under the weather but he was back on the practice field with the team Thursday and then again today.
"It was probably what a lot of guys are getting hit with lately. It's been going around town," he said. "But I'm feeling good. Had a good day of practice yesterday and have to go out and have a good day today and get sharpened up and ready to play for a division title."
Asked how it affected his ability to prepare, Brady said: "None."
Later, Brady added: "I'm ready for Santa Claus and I'm ready to play some football."
The Flu Bug Continues
The Pats have been fighting the flu bug. It is actually making its way around the locker room. First Aaron Hernandez, then Tom Brady and now word is safety James Sanders has been hit with the bug. He was not at practice today and it is a 50/50 chance that he'll play in the game.
Second-year player Ryan Wendell and five-year veteran Quinn Ojinnaka project as the top replacements should Connolly not play. It would mark the first start of the season for each player.
The other questionable players are outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (groin), defensive lineman Ron Brace (concussion), outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham (calf), defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick (shoulder), tight end Aaron Hernandez (hip), defensive lineman Myron Pryor (back) and defensive lineman Mike Wright (concussion).
Brady Answers Suggs
Tom Brady is the top vote getter for the Pro Bowl but he did not receive a vote from Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs.
Suggs and Brady have a love-hate relationship and the Baltimore star said Tom didn't make his list. Tom was made aware of the situation.
After saying he had "no reaction," Brady noted that he left every player off his ballot as he didn't get to vote because he was ill. He then added that he would've voted for Suggs.
"He's a great player," Brady said, before lining up a zinger of sorts. "He gets my vote; such a nice guy."
Gronk Is Coming Home
Patriots rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski is a native of Amherst, N.Y., so this weekends game is a home coming of sorts.
"It will be very special to go back home and play in front of all my family and my friends," Gronkowski said. "I'm really excited. It's going to be a special moment."
Gronkowski grew up a Bills fan and calls his "beat up" Eric Moulds jersey one of his prize possessions.
"My brother actually rocked it at a party in Arizona," Gronkowski joked. "Everyone liked that. That was pretty sweet."
The last time Gronkowski took the field in Buffalo was for the NFL's "Punt, Pass, and Kick" competition early last decade.
"I was the champion," Gronkowski recalled with a smile. "I was out there at halftime throwing the ball. I got the crowd all hyped when I threw it."
