Tom Brady Injury Report: Torn ACL?

Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots have built undisputed football dynasty, but in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the ability of the Patriots to even make the playoffs this year was put into doubt. In the first game of the New England Patriots schedule, Tom Brady left the game in the first quarter with what the Patriots described as a "knee injury." While Bill Belicheck is a serial offender when it comes to vague and misleading injury reports, the team obviously knows more than they are saying. Fans of not only the NE Patriots but also their main division rivals, including Bret Favre's NY Jets, will be searching the Tom Brady injury report for the prognosis not only of Tom Brady, but also for the NE Patriots season.

Tom Brady's Season Over with Torn ACL?

Bill Belichick has built a well-rounded team in the NE Patriots, but let there be no doubt, Tom Brady's accurate passing, ability to make good decisions under pressure, and his on and off the field leadership, have been the most important elements in the team's success. On Sunday, Tom Brady stepped up in the pocket with his usual calm under pressure to deliver a pass. This time, however, Tom Brady was met by the Chief's Bernard Pollard. Pollard was on the ground having fought his way through the Patriots offensive line moved forward into Tom Brady's leg just as the veteran quarterback planted and shifted his weight forward to throw the ball. Although the ever vocal Randy Moss seemed to think the hit looked like a cheap shot, most observers felt the injury was the result of a clean hit. Massachusetts Sport Radio station WEEI is reporting that Tom Brady's injury is a torn ACL in his left knee. That would spell a long absence, and almost certainly the entire season, for Tom Brady if it's true.

Chris Simms May Replace Tom Brady

Other indications suggest that Bill Belichick and the NE Patriots are taking steps to replace Tom Brady during what might be a season ending injury. The NFL Network reports former Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms is flying to Foxboro today and may be joining the NE Patriots by the end of the day. Although back-up QB Matt Cassel managed to eke out a 7 point victory in the NE Patriots' first game after replacing Tom Brady, only he seems to think he could take over the team on a regular basis. Cassel said, "This is something I've been preparing for a long time," after the game, but as soon as Chris Simms can learn the NE Patriots' offensive scheme, Matt Cassel might find himself right back on the sidelines, preparing some more.