Despite an injured right hand, Tom Brady will indeed play and start in the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
Brady initially suffered his hand injury during Wednesday practice as he collided with teammate Rex Burkhead during a handoff. He didn’t suffer any ligament or bone damage, although he did need four stitches after suffering a cut.
It still remains to be seen whether Brady will play with or without the glove he's been wearing on his right hand over the last couple of days to protect his stitches.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Brady looked good during Friday’s practice while throwing without the glove. He also goes on to report that Brady hopes to play without the glove, although that will likely depend on the weather. Warmer weather would allow Brady to do without the glove, but he might need temperature gets into the 30s.
It should hardly come as a surprise that Brady will play. The man hasn’t missed a game since 2008 and has battled through injuries in the past. Even with an injured hand, he was always going to find a way to play through the pain barrier with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
If he was still able to throw a football, he was going to suit up. And apparently, his hand injury isn't serious enough to hinder him from throwing, which is why he'll be out there.
However, the status of his hand will likely be an ongoing cause for concern throughout the game. An awkward hit on that hand by the ferocious Jaguars defense could see him and the Patriots in some trouble.
Still, the good news for New England is that Brady is at least in decent enough shape to play. Even if he is at less than 100 percent, having him on the field still gives them the best chance to win and move on to another Super Bowl.
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