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Pats’ Bruschi exploring return possibility
New England's Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke in February and isn't likely to play this season
The injury-riddled New England Patriots defense could get a boost on defense. A big boost.
Linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who said he won't play in 2006 because of a stroke suffered in February, could be back this season, according to a report in the Boston Herald.
The Pats have been hit with a spate of recent injuries, including losing safety Rodney Harrison for the season last Sunday. The linebacker has been pursuing a possible return to see if it would be safe to play in 2006, the paper reported.
Bruschi hasn't been put on the injured reserve list, which would make him ineligible to play. He is on the physically unable to perform list, which would allow him to return at some point after the sixth game of the season if healthy enough.
When asked Thursday about possibly coming back this season, Bruschi gave the paper a terse, "No comment."
Bruschi's agent, Brad Blank, also refused comment.
Earlier this month, Bruschi emphatically stated he wouldn't play this year but said he was coming back in 2006.
''I'm telling you right now that's not going to happen," Bruschi told the Boston Globe right before the season started about the possibility of playing this year. ''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. …
"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."
Bruschi suffered a stroke 10 days after the Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in the Super Bowl — just three days after playing in his first Pro Bowl.
Bruschi confirmed that the stroke was the result of a blood clot that doctors believe traveled through a small hole in his heart. He also confirmed that he underwent a procedure in March to repair it. He said the origin and cause of the clot have never been determined.
Source: msnbc.msn.com