BREW-ski!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Amnorix]

Looks like Tedy Bruschi is likely to come back this year. He was PUP'ed, not IR'ed, at the beginning of the season, and now the rumor mill is saying that he will rejoin the team for practices in the hopes of coming onto the field and helping them this year.

In case anyone has been under a rock since February, Tedy Bruschi suffered a very minor stroke (but still a fugging STROKE) after taking the long plane ride back to Boston after the Pro Bowl game in Hawaii. He has been working out witht he team all off-season and now all season, attending team meetings and giving advice to our new linebackers. Still, the heart of the Patriots defense has been ripped out with the losses of him, fellow 10 year Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson, and the season-ending ACL/MCL/PCL/XCL/YCL/ZCL knee injury suffered by strong safety Rodney Harrison.

Bruschi's return, hopefully in time for the Colts game on November 7th, would certainly be a tremendous boon to the Patriots, who have had more than their hsare of injuries thus far this season.

Of course, all this is tempered by the fact that Tedy suffered a very serious medical condition, and has a wife and three young boys to worry about other than his Patriots career. While Patriots Nation loves him, his (and our) primary concern is his health. This town has already seen one of its players die on the field of athletic battle (Reggie Lewis). God forbid there be another.

http://cbs4boston.com/topstories/local_story_286180702.html

[Hammock Parties]

Uh, wow. I hope the Pats forego the team intro and introduce him individually if he really does come back. That would be a scene.

[Amnorix]

Uh, wow. I hope the Pats forego the team intro and introduce him individually if he really does come back. That would be a scene.


Agreed. I was thinking this same thing. But no way Belichick allows it.

But if he comes out of that tunnel for the beginning of the Nov. 7th game against the Colts, let's just say it's a good thing Gillette doesn't have a roof or it would come crashing down.

[Brock]

I hope he doesn't die on the field, though I'm sure that's the way he would want it.

[NewChief]

I hope he doesn't die on the field, though I'm sure that's the way he would want it.

No kidding. I'd love to gather together the plethora of medical knowledge that will be flying around the various bulletin boards analyzing this information. It was a real treat getting to read all the armchair surgeons analyzing Trent's stent.

[Goapics1]

But if he comes out of that tunnel for the beginning of the Nov. 7th game against the Colts, let's just say it's a good thing Gillette doesn't have a roof or it would come crashing down.
Make your time.................

[Red Dawg]

completely stupid? He rather risk death just to avoid missing a season football. Dumb ass.

[Amnorix]

completely stupid? He rather risk death just to avoid missing a season football. Dumb ass.


I've heard it said before in connection with Tedy that the stroke doesn't really create any increased risk for him. If that's true (and I'm no doctor so I have no clue), and he's physically and emotionally etc. recovered from his stroke of last winter, then there's no reason he can't go back on the field.

If there is an increased risk, however, then I would definitely agree with you.

[Reaper16]

and the season-ending ACL/MCL/PCL/XCL/YCL/ZCL knee injury suffered by strong safety Rodney Harrison.

ROFL ROFL ROFL

[KCFalcon59]

Good for Bruschi. Always liked his toughness. Hope he makes it back.

[Amnorix]

The latest:

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/10/14/the_bruschi_question/

The Bruschi question

By Boston.com Staff | October 14, 2005

Is Tedy Bruschi close to returning to the practice field for the Patriots? It depends on whom you ask.

According to Channel 4’s Steve Burton, sources say that Bruschi will be practicing within the next three weeks, hoping to determine whether he’ll be able to return this season after suffering a minor stroke in February. However, the Boston Herald reported this morning that while Bruschi is gearing up, hurdles to his return still remain.

Bruschi is eligible to come off the physically unable to perform list on Monday (after Week 6). Starting Monday, Bruschi has a three-week window to begin practicing with the team. After that window, the Patriots must decide whether to activate him or put him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Of course, none of this will happen without Bruschi first receiving medical clearance, a roadblock unidentified sources told the Boston Herald is significant.

“I think that he's gearing up to play, but I don't know if (owner) Robert Kraft is gearing up for him to play. I don't know if (Kraft Group lawyer) Richard Kareliez is gearing up for him to play,'' a source told the Herald. ``Everyone is still waiting for that shoe to drop.''

According to the Herald, unidentified sources said that Kraft told Bruschi to see a set of specialists this week, and that the “assessment of those doctors was positive.”

Bruschi has been working out with the team and attending meetings since training camp, and has clearly been more visible in the locker room over the last month. Still, only Bruschi and the Patriots really know just how close the linebacker is to returning to the practice field.

After all, it was only about a month ago that Bruschi emphatically denied he would return at any point this season.

"I'm telling you right now that's not going to happen," he said at the time. "I need to do what's best for my family and myself.

"There's a difference between living life normally and being fine and getting ready for a professional football season. I need the year to get myself ready.

"I considered playing this year. We talked about it a lot. But this is something you don't rush. It's not a sprained ankle. This is my medical health, and although I'm feeling great right now, I've also been told by my doctors some time will help. It will help medically, but it will also help me deal with it mentally. I think I've healed faster physically than I have emotionally."

At the same time, Bruschi said that he was definitely planning on playing in 2006.

"I've talked with a lot of people and heard a lot of opinions," said Bruschi. "Cardiologists, neurologists. And not one of them said, `Tedy, you can't play again.'

"I'm definitely playing next year. That's my ace in the hole. It's a little hard to sit back and watch the guys [this season], but it's easier knowing I've got something to look forward to.

"My goal is to play football again, but it wouldn't have been my goal if my doctors weren't on board and my family wasn't on board. They are."

[redfan]

I gotta admire the man's commitment and dedication. I guess winning SBs will do that to ya.

[Ebolapox]

ya know, I know you're saying 'minor' stroke, but I remember hearing about his going into the hospital for a stroke--the way everyone reacted, and with his length in the hospital, it sure sounded like more than a 'minor' stroke--if I was him, it'd hurt not to play football for a year, but you gotta think of your wife and kids in this situation--wait til' next year

-EB-...'minor stroke' my ass

[Eleazar]

No kidding. I'd love to gather together the plethora of medical knowledge that will be flying around the various bulletin boards analyzing this information. It was a real treat getting to read all the armchair surgeons analyzing Trent's stent.

No kidding.

Remember whoever it was that heard from his buddy who works in radio that knew someone else in radio who heard from a chiefs trainer's friend that Green's career was over?

I need to go dig up that thread when I have a minute, actually ROFL

[Rain Man]

Is he following Trent Green's lead and having a stent inserted into his brain?

[Mr. Laz]

Bruschi no given: Source: Return faces obstacles

By Karen Guregian/ Patriots Notebook
Friday, October 14, 2005 - Updated: 07:20 AM EST

FOXBORO - The wheels are still turning on a return for Tedy Bruschi this season, but road blocks remain.

Bruschi can return to the practice field as early as Monday. That's when the Patriots linebacker is eligible to come off the ``physically unable to perform'' list.

The Herald last month reported that Bruschi, who suffered a minor stroke in February, was exploring the possibility of making a return this season, as opposed to his stated goal of next year. Ch. 4's Steve Burton last night reaffirmed that claim, going as far as to guarantee Bruschi would be back on the practice field in the next three weeks.

A source familiar with the situation said that what is apparent to the casual observer - that Bruschi is itching to play - is accurate. But that doesn't mean Bruschi's return is anymore certain.

``I think that he's gearing up to play, but I don't know if (owner) Robert Kraft is gearing up for him to play. I don't know if (Kraft Group lawyer) Richard Kareliez is gearing up for him to play,'' said the source. ``Everyone is still waiting for that shoe to drop.''

Sources say that Kraft insisted Bruschi see a certain set of specialists this week, Bruschi agreed, and word is, the assessment of those doctors was positive.

Still, there figure to be reams of legal work in terms of waivers, liability and insurance issues to play before Bruschi returns. The status of those issues is not known.

``It's a much bigger jigsaw puzzle than Tedy thinks,'' said the source.

Given the legal aspect, it appears unlikely Bruschi would be on the practice field Monday.

The Herald requested to speak with Kraft last week about the Bruschi issue, but was turned down by the Patriots owner.

To this point, Bruschi has been working out, attending meetings, studying the playbook and offering advice to teammates. He hasn't travelled with the team, but has been on the sidelines for home games.

Under the PUP rules, Bruschi has a three-week window in which to return to practice. Once he starts practicing, the Patriots have 21 days to decide whether to put him on the active roster or injured reserve.

Freeman regroups

Patriots defensive back Arturo Freeman tried hard not to take being unemployed since the start of the season personally. After spending four years with Miami and leaving the Dolphins, he asked out of Packers camp, then was cut from Titans camp.

``Once you've been out, you realize it's not about talent. It's about the business side of it,'' Freeman said. ``Sometimes people are committed to what they want on the roster. The first time being out, I had to realize that. It wasn't about talent, or you couldn't play. Sometimes you're on the outside looking in for whatever reason. But I'm blessed and fortunate to have done well enough to have this opportunity.''

Bill Belichick said he liked Freeman's versatility, and the fact Pats assistant secondary coach Joel Collier was familiar with him.

``He has some experience. He's done some different things,'' Belichick said. ``He's played safety. He's played in their sub defense. He's played down in a linebacker-type role.''

School pride on line

Notre Dame alum David Givens smells an upset tomorrow when his alma mater takes on defending national champion USC.

`` 'SC has some holes where they can be attacked,'' Givens said. ``If Notre Dame comes ready to play, I think we can do it.''

Might he have a little bet going with USC grad Willie McGinest? ``I think there will be a slight (wager),'' Givens answered. ``I can't say what. We don't gamble here.''