Superstar quarterback Tom Brady has been dealing with a lingering shoulder issue which has kept him out of practices this week. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller has confirmed he will play Sunday in this first interview since last weekend's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Brady picked up the injury when Chiefs defensive back L'Jarius Sneed sacked him before ripping at his arm to strip the ball for a fumble as Brady immediately clutched his throwing arm. The 45-year-old looked to be in some pain, with back-up Blaine Gabbert beginning his warm-up.
However, Brady would remain on the field for the rest of the game, as he performed strongly in the prime time showdown against Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs, throwing for 385 yards and three touchdowns, however the Chiefs would go on to take the win with an explosive offensive showing, winning 41-31.
Brady did not practice on Wednesday because of the shoulder discomfort, and has spoken on the current status on his injury. Brady told reporters. "It feels great. I'll be there Sunday."
But despite his optimism, NFL expert Mike Florio believes there's cause for concern after seeing the 45-year-old take so much damage from the hit. He explained on ProFootballTalk: "That is not a devastating hit. We have seen guys take far bigger hits all the time. This is not like, oh, he’s going to be hurt. I mean, he is getting banged up by fairly ordinary hits. That’s my concern.
He added: "He’s 45. It’s amazing that the guy’s got the courage to go out there with guys half his age and younger and face that — that risk. And it is a little crazy that he can’t just give it up and walk away because he probably should. He probably should have already, and he probably should right now."
Brady has yet to miss a game since joining the Buccaneers from the Patriots in 2020, starting 37 in a row whilst bringing Tampa a Super Bowl in his first season.
Sunday's game was Brady's best performance of the season so far, with the Buccaneers offence welcoming back Mike Evans from suspension. Chris Godwin, Julio Jones and Russell Gage have all missed game time due to injuries as all four were back available for last night's outing, with Evans registering 103 yards and two touchdowns, with Godwin adding 59 yards.
The Buccaneers will face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, a team who Brady is undefeated against with a 10-0 record.
