As reported by multiple sources out of New England Patriots camp, quarterback Tom Brady left practice today with an apparent injury to his left knee. During a joint-practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady suddenly felt a pain in his left knee. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, there did not appear to be any contact during the play when Brady was injured:
On the play where Tom Brady remained down, if was a sideline pass to Aaron Dobson that was incomplete. Didn’t see any contact w/ Brady.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 14, 2013
UDPATE: Here’s a video of the apparent injury:
Brady returned to practice after taking one play off, but did not last long before walking off the field to see the Patriots training staff. The New England franchise quarterback talked it over with coach Bill Belichick before leaving the field.
The left leg is the same side on which Brady tore his ACL in the very first game of the 2008 season, causing him to miss the remainder of the year. Brady’s participation in preseason this year was already heightened due to the prevalence of new receivers, and the veteran quarterback was making an attempt to develop chemistry with his new targets.
The Patriots have third-year backup Ryan Mallett, though the former Arkansas standout has never seen significant playing time in the NFL. In his entire career, he has only completed one pass in a regular season game.
Behind Mallett, there is current third-stringer, Tim Tebow. The college star started for the Denver Broncos for most of the 2011 season, helping to lead the team to a miraculous division title, and a subsequent victory against he Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs before eventually losing to Brady and the Patriots in the Divisional round.
Per various sources:
Brady leaving practice after conferring with Belichick and McDaniels. Wise move
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) August 14, 2013
Brady has completed all three passes since getting hurt but he’s disappeared to the bubble with trainer Jim Whalen. Left knee or ankle.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 14, 2013
Tom Brady left field under his own power, but whatever he felt on that incomplete pass is enough that team wants to take caution.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 14, 2013
Image via ABC