Tom Brady And Rob Gronkowski Both Absent, While Devin McCourty Present At Patriots Practice
BOSTON (CBS) -- After what has been a relatively low-key week in the land of the New England Patriots (at least in terms of "on the field" matters), the team generated some headlines on Friday with its attendance at practice.
In terms of the most surprising news, safety Devin McCourty was on the field for the Patriots. McCourty left Sunday night's game with what was reported to be a high-ankle sprain. Such an injury typically requires weeks of recovery, so McCourty's presence on Friday was a most surprising development.
But some absences were very noteworthy as well, namely at the quarterback spot, as Tom Brady was not present for the beginning portion of the practice session which was open to the media. The Boston Globe's Jim McBride reported that Brady missed practice due to illness.
The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe and ESPN's Mike Reiss later reported that the illness was not serious. Brady is expected to play Sunday when the Patriots host the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium.
UPDATE: Brady has been listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Also notably missing was tight end Rob Gronkowski. Center Bryan Stork was also missing.
CSNNE's Tom E. Curran reported that Gronkowski's absence was not due to injury.
Though the Titans are tied for having the worst record in the NFL, a practice absence like Brady's obviously raises some concern for the Patriots just 48 hours before kickoff. Aside from the 2008 season, when he suffered a torn knee in the season opener and missed the remaining 15 games, Brady has never missed a game since becoming the Patriots' starting quarterback in 2001.
You may recall that in the week leading up to Super Bowl XLIX, Brady was dealing with a cold. He nevertheless was able to perform well enough to earn Super Bowl MVP honors later that week.
