The press coverage of the New England Patriots has shifted to the health of quarterback Tom Brady, who is currently dealing with a right-hand injury.

The noise has only grown louder with Brady sitting out Thursday's practice a day after participating on a limited basis, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The fact that Brady didn't practice shouldn't draw too much of a concern as he commonly missed mid-week practices during the regular season. The only reason it's a bigger bigger story is because it comes just a few days before the AFC Championship game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Patriots have yet to express any real concern about the injury, but it is telling that there was some level of doubt after he underwent an x-ray on his throwing hand. Brady is scheduled to speak with the media on Friday, which should provide more clarity on the situation and his status heading into Sunday's contest. For what it's worth, he was seen at practice with gloves on both hands.

The 40-year-old has proven to be quite durable throughout his career, playing in every game that he has been eligible to take the field since taking over as the full-time starter back in 2001. The only lengthy absence was during the 2008 campaign when he suffered an ACL tear in the first game of the season.

If there is any concern about the injury affecting his ability to throw, the Patriots may lean more heavily on the rushing attack to carry the offense. Keep in mind, the Jaguars have struggled stopping the run this season, ranking 21st in that category with 116.3 yards allowed on the ground per game.

Brady is coming off a strong outing against the Tennessee Titans in the divisional round where he threw for 337 yards and three touchdown passes.