FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick stayed true to form Thursday, refusing to discuss Tom Brady’s health a few days after the quarterback was photographed limping in New York with a cast on his right foot.
“I don’t have any comment on it,” he said in a news conference before the Patriots held their first practice in preparation for the Feb. 3 Super Bowl against the New York Giants.
Brady did not show up during the first 15 minutes of practice reporters were allowed to observe. Patriots spokesman Stacey James said the team would not announce whether Brady participated in any part of the workout.
The next practice participation report will be issued Wednesday, James said.
Brady wasn’t seen in the locker room before practice during the 45 minutes it was open to the media.
When asked at the news conference earlier if Brady would practice, Belichick said: “I don’t know.”
“The injury report will be out next Wednesday and we’re excited to get that to you,” he said to laughter from reporters, “filled out completely and I can’t wait to get that to you because I know you’re anxious for it.”
Brady, this season’s NFL MVP, had been dogged by photographers outside the New York City apartment of his supermodel girlfriend since the photographs surfaced Monday showing him wearing the boot and carrying a bouquet of flowers.
“I focused on the flowers,” defensive end Richard Seymour said with a smile before Thursday’s practice.
Brady was later seen in New York walking without a cast. He reportedly has a mild high ankle sprain.
Several players shied away from the issue.
“You’ll have to ask Tom about anything pertaining to him and his ankle,” wide receiver Wes Welker said.
“That has nothing to do with me, man, next question,” cornerback Ellis Hobbs said.
“I didn’t see the video and I don’t know anything about it,” safety Rodney Harrison said.
Running back Kevin Faulk said he has worn a protective boot in the past, although he didn’t get nearly the attention Brady did.
“Because I’m not Tom Brady, I guess,” Faulk said. “I don’t know. It’s just crazy. That’s all.”
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