Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn’t have much to say Wednesday about the return of Brady.
But it was apparently far more than what Brady will say this week.
According to Phil Perry of CSNNE.com, Brady is not expected to conduct his normal Wednesday press conference today, because technically, he isn’t on the 53-man roster. Brady and Rob Ninkovich can practice with roster exemptions at the moment, and can be activated as late as Saturday and play this weekend.
The NFL told the team that until he was activated, he was exempt from the media responsibilities players normally have. He could speak to reporters if he chose, but it would probably be a surprise if he chose that route.
Belichick didn’t have much to add to the topic, saying repeatedly it was about the team and the game against the Browns, rather than any particular player.
“Right now we’re focused on Cleveland,” Belichick said. “Trying to get ready to go in Cleveland. Can’t do anything about what was or wasn’t in the last four weeks. We’re into Cleveland week, and that’s all our focus is. Not worried about last week. Not worried about next week. Not worried about last year. Worried about this week against Clevland. That’s it. Period. This week. Cleveland. We’re focused on Cleveland this week. Period. Cleveland.”
It’s not quite “We’re on to Cincinnati,” but it was close.