Brady's Back, and Belichick is a Happy Boss: Quarterback Practices While Coach Smiles at Injury Ques

Jan 29, 04:44 AM

Jan. 29--PHOENIX -- Tom Brady was back in full view Monday, even though his New England teammates and coach Bill Belichick continued their playful avoidance of the most hyped pre-Super Bowl health issue.

Since being captured on camera last week wearing a protective boot, Brady's sore right ankle has been the subject of national speculation.

He wasn't seen at three practices last week during the period when the media could watch.

But he was back on the field Monday when the Patriots held their first practice in Phoenix in preparation for Super Bowl XLII Sunday against the New York Giants.

A media pool reporter, Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune, reported that Brady participated in all phases of practice with the ankle taped. That included jogging the length of the field twice at the end of drills, albeit with a slight limp.

Belichick broke into a grin twice during a late afternoon news conference when quizzed about Brady's participation.

"He was out there like everybody else," he said.

Receiver Wes Welker also played into the avoidance game when asked how Brady looked to him.

"He looks great," said Welker. "He's got the same dimples and everything."

It's safe to expect the gamesmanship to continue all week, all the way up to kickoff.

One day earlier, after the Patriots arrived in Phoenix, Brady vowed that the ankle injury wouldn't keep him out of the game and compared it to a similar sprain he had to his left ankle before winning the MVP award in the 2002 Super Bowl.

Belichick used his Monday news conference to bill the Giants as "clearly" the best team the 18-0 Patriots have faced all season. He said he thought that might be the case before playing New York in the regular-season finale, but was sure of it now.

And Belichick didn't want to discuss the Patriots' chance to become the first NFL team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to finish a season unbeaten.

"The Giants are undefeated in the playoffs, and we're undefeated in the playoffs," he said. "Only one team will be left standing Sunday night."

The Giants, who lost the previous game with New England 38-35, arrived in Phoenix on Monday. Both teams will participate in Media Day today.

As fun as that's likely to be, Welker, playing in his first Super Bowl, said it's important to stay focused.

"I'm just trying to get ready for the game and not worry about all the special moments," he said. "It's only special if you win, so we're concentrating on that." Super Bowl XLII: Patriots vs. Giants

6:17 p.m., Sunday, Fox, WCCB (Ch. 18)

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