FOXBORO -- It is the shiny thing to keep everyone occupied during the holiday week. Tom Brady's left shoulder. Since we have basically established that it's not separated but hurts enough to warrant an X-ray, the attention now turns to record-keeping. Brady, who was at the early portion of Friday's practice involved in stretching and sprints, did not practice on Wednesday. The reason given was "not injury related." On Thursday, he took part on a limited basis and the reason given for his limitations was "shoulder." Same on Friday, but he was still listed as 'probable' on the injury report.
Bill Belichick was peppered with questions at the outset of his Friday morning press conference by Albert Breer of the NFL Network. Asked what Brady was able to do at practice Wednesday, Belichick answered, "Play quarterback."Three successive questions about listings, etc., were batted away with a "we've covered that."Toward the end of the press conference, Belichick was asked if he felt confident Brady could play at a high level on Sunday. "Anybody we put out on the field, I have confidence in or we wouldn't put him out there," Belichick answered. "So if they're out there, we have confidence in him. If they're not out there, there is either another player ahead of him or we're not confident they can go out there and do it health-wise. It's as simple as that. We're not going to put anybody out there on the field that we don't have confidence in." The concern about Brady is warranted. He's really good. But the level of disrepair he's currently in is not commensurate with the attention his bruise is generating.Oh, and by the way, Logan Mankins -- as expected -- is out for Sunday, leaving a patchwork offensive line to again attempt to protect Brady.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTSOUT: G Logan Mankins (knee), T Sebastian Vollmer (backfoot).QUESTIONABLE: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), WR Deion Branch (groin), S Patrick Chung (foot), C Dan Connolly (groin), WR Julian Edelman (back), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), T Matt Light (ankle), CB Devin McCourty (shoulder), LB Rob Ninkovich (hip), WR Matthew Slater (shoulder), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), RB Shane Vereen (hamstring), G Brian Waters (ankle), WR Wes Welker (knee), LB Tracy White (abdomen).PROBABLE: QB Tom Brady (left shoulder).BUFFALO BILLSOUT: LT Demetrius Bell (knee), TE Mike Caussin (knee), K Dave Rayner (groin), QBWR Brad Smith (hamstring), G Kraig Urbik (knee).PROBABLE: WR Ruvell Martin (hamstring), RB Johnny White (concussion).