Patriots Gridiron News 10/4: Tom Brady Motivated, Clay Harbor released
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady officially returned from his four-game suspension on Monday. The future Hall-of-Fame QB is motivated.
Tom Brady is back. The New England Patriots quarterback returned on Monday after serving a four-game suspension due to his “more probable than not” involvement in the Deflategate controversy. Appearing on Westwood One radio prior to Monday Night Football, Brady told host Jim Gray that it was great getting back in the flow.
“It was certainly great to be back to work,” said Brady. “It’s been a long four weeks for me, but I am excited to get started on my preparation for Cleveland. I am anxious for the week ahead. I want to get back out on the practice field. This is what I love to do and now I have an opportunity to do it.”
While the Patriots went 3-1 without the services of their star quarterback, his timing his perfect. The Offense looked absolutely pathetic in the shut out loss to the Buffalo Bills. So not only is his teammates motivated to get back into the win column, Brady is also motivated to work with his teammates and get reacquainted with that winning attitude.
“I was motivated 17 years ago and I am motivated today,” said Brady when asked if he has a chip on his shoulder. “I’m motivated to win for my teammates. I am motivated to go out there and represent our city well.”
Roster moves: With the return of Brady and Rob Ninkovich, the Patriots will eventually have to free up two roster spots. However, that didn’t have anything to do with the release of tight end Clay Harbor.
Harbor was informed of his release on Monday after signing a two-year contract with the team. His release comes after the team’s signing of tight end Greg Scruggs. With the acquisition, the Patriots were carrying five tight ends. Harbor mostly contributed on special teams and didn’t figure much into the Patriots offense.
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Injury report: According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, running back Brandon Bolden avoided a season-ending type leg injury on Sunday. He could still be out an extended period of time. In his absence, D.J. Foster could get more time. The team could also promote Bishop Sankey from the practice squad.
Tight end Martellus Bennett also had a scare on Sunday. Bennett left the game for one play with his arm hanging down by his side. He was able to return a play later and doesn’t appear to be affected by the injury.
Defensive tackle Vincent Valentine is also ailing. The rookie went to the locker room with a back injury in Sunday’s game and is now questionable. Valentine’s potential absence suddenly challenges the depth on the defensive line. There doesn’t seem to be any major concern since the team released defensive lineman John Hughes just days after signing him.
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