There was good news and bad news for the New England Patriots on Tuesday. The bad news is that they will be without the heart and soul of their defense for the rest of the preseason. The good news is that they could get him back before New England's first regular season game.
Head coach Bill Belichick confirmed late Tuesday night that linebacker Tedy Bruschi has a broken wrist and will not play in any preseason games.
Belichick did not make clear whether Bruschi, 33, will be available for the
Patriots' regular-season opener Sept. 10 against the Buffalo Bills.
Bruschi, who was injured July 31, likely in morning practice, and has
missed the team's last 10 workouts, had surgery Wednesday, ESPN.com's Michael Smith reported. The wrist, which had a screw inserted into the scaphoid bone, could take six weeks to heal. Bruschi has been telling people he plans on returning for the season opener.
Bruschi missed the first six games last season after suffering a
mild stroke just 10 days after the Patriots' 24-21 Super Bowl
victory over Philadelphia on Feb. 6, 2005.
After saying he would sit out the season, Bruschi returned in
late October and helped lead the Patriots to a third straight
division title. He shared the Comeback Player of the Year award
last season with Carolina receiver Steve Smith.
Bruschi's absence is another blow to the Patriots, who suffered
three significant free-agent losses: kicker Adam Vinatieri,
receiver David Givens and linebacker Willie McGinest.
The team is also dealing with a contract holdout by top receiver
Deion Branch.
The Patriots got good news Monday when safety Rodney Harrison,
center Dan Koppen, defensive end Richard Seymour, cornerback
Randall Gay and defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan were taken off
the physically-unable-to-perform list and participated in practice.
With Bruschi sidelined, the team has been working veteran
Barry Gardner at inside linebacker.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.