FOXBORO – He’s an NFL coach, but on Friday, Bill Belichick played the part of an NBA center. With questions swirling around Gillette Stadium about the status of Tom Brady and his injured right hand, Belichick swatted away any attempt to gain information on his quarterback heading into the AFC Championship game.
When asked about Brady’s status for the Patriots matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Belichick responded, "Yeah, we gave out the injury report [...]
FOXBORO – He’s an NFL coach, but on Friday, Bill Belichick played the part of an NBA center. With questions swirling around Gillette Stadium about the status of Tom Brady and his injured right hand, Belichick swatted away any attempt to gain information on his quarterback heading into the AFC Championship game.
When asked about Brady’s status for the Patriots matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Belichick responded, “Yeah, we gave out the injury report yesterday. We’ll update it today.”
That started a 16-minute press conference, Belichick’s final of the week, where he talked around questions about his injured quarterback. Here’s what he said:
How has backup quarterback Brian Hoyer done at practice with Brady out?
Belichick: “Brian does a great job for us. Works hard. Practices hard.”
Has Brady’s injury limited the team’s game preparation?
Belichick: “We’re going to continue to get ready for Jacksonville all the way through until game time.”
With Brady injured, do you have any regrets about trading Jimmy Garoppolo?
Belichick: "We're getting ready for Jacksonville."
Is Tom Brady a game-time decision?
Belichick: "Today's Friday."
Did he think about bringing in a third quarterback?
Belichick: “We're going to get ready for Jacksonville. Do the best we can, make the best decisions we can for the team to do that. So, that’s what we’re going to do.”
How much does Brady’s status complicate the game plan?
“I don’t know.”
What is your level of concern that Brady will be able to perform the function he needs to at quarterback?
“I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Belichick's thoughts on the Patriots quarterback depth?
"Right now my thoughts are getting ready for Jacksonville. We’re going to do the best we can to put the most competitive team out there and play the best and coach the best that we can on Sunday.
How impressed have you been with the level of toughness Brady has displayed in his career?
Belichick: "Yeah, very. It’s been outstanding."