The New England Patriots open their preseason against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.
However, according to NFL Media’s Stacey Dales, this game will not feature quarterback Tom Brady if head coach Bill Belichick sticks with his “no practice, no play” rule.
Brady missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday to appear in federal court with commissioner Roger Goodell in New York. The hearing is being held to determine whether or not it can be proven Brady was involved in the Deflategate saga. Or, Brady and the league will settle on some common ground regarding the quarterback’s four-game suspension.
Neverthless, if Brady is kept out of Thursday’s game, it should not be necessarily be viewed as Belichick punishing Brady. It’s more that the no-nonsense coach needs to remain consistent in enforcing his policy.
In the past, Belichick has even sent players—such as former cornerback Darrelle Revis and running back Jonas Gray—home for showing up late to practice.
If Brady sits out, it gives backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo more opportunity to play with the starters and potentially prepare to fill in for Brady when the real Week 1 game arrives.
As for Brady, if he does wind up receiving a hall pass from Belichick, he likely won’t play for more than a couple of first-quarter drives in Thursday’s game.