Tom Brady Injury: Shoulder Injury Sidelines Star QB in Practice Once Again

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots insist that Tom Brady's shoulder injury is not going to be a problem for this week's game against the Buffalo Bills. But according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback is going to miss practice for the second straight day. 

Brady had an x-ray taken on his non-throwing shoulder earlier this week and there was no significant damage that showed up.

ESPNBoston.com is reporting that the injury is not expected to keep him out of this week's game. This is a big week for the Patriots, because they need a victory or losses by the Ravens and Steelers if they want to clinch home-field advantage in the playoffs for the second straight season. 

We all know that Belichick loves to play mind games with the opposition and media regarding Brady's shoulder, but the fact that he is going to miss back-to-back practices is a clear indication that something is not right. 

The good news is that the injury is to left shoulder, so even if it is causing him pain, it shouldn't dramatically alter the way that he throws. 

But Brady is the only thing that is separating the Patriots from mediocrity, and whenever he misses practice it is worth monitoring. I would be shocked to see him sit out of a game, especially one as important as this one, but I do have doubts about how long the team will leave him in if he does play. 

It's a good thing that the Patriots have already locked up a first-round bye, because Brady is going to need the extra time to get back to full strength in the playoffs.

That shoulder is going to have a big target on it for as long as the Patriots are playing, so any extra rest that Brady can get is going to be welcome with open arms. 

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