Bruschi has broken wrist

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi will be sidelined for the month of August, coach Bill Belichick said late last night.

``Tedy has a broken wrist," Belichick confirmed. ``He will not play in any of the preseason games."

The Patriots' final preseason game is Aug. 31 against the Giants. It is unclear whether Bruschi will be ready for the team's regular-season opener, Sept. 10 against the Bills.

Bruschi, 33, was injured July 31, most likely during the team's morning practice. He hasn't practiced since, missing the team's last 10 workouts.

At the start of training camp, the Patriots had paired Bruschi with Monty Beisel in the middle of their 3-4 defense. Bruschi said he was looking forward to developing chemistry with Beisel after playing alongside Mike Vrabel in 2005.

In the weeks leading up to camp, Bruschi noted he was in tip-top shape. ``I've had a great offseason," he said at the time. ``I just feel like I've put in a lot of work this offseason that I wasn't able to put in last season. I know during the season last year I got back to playing good football, but I believe in the process -- minicamps and offseason programs and training camps. I think participating in all that will make me a better player this year."

In Bruschi's absence, the Patriots have been working eight-year veteran Barry Gardner at inside linebacker.