Bruschi didn't seek medical clearance
Sources in the Patriots organization and those close to Tedy Bruschi denied an ESPN report late Wednesday night that said the popular linebacker had failed to receive medical clearance to play in 2005.
The team announced Wednesday that Bruschi will sit out the season, but he has received several positive medical opinions -- not only for his long-term health but for the possibility of setting foot on the football field again, according to a source familiar with Bruschi's medical situation. Bruschi had been cleared to work out, and has done so without incident for several weeks.
Bruschi would have had to be medically cleared to play football and would have had to sign a waiver releasing the team from liability in case of further injury, but it never got to that point.
The next step, according to the sources, is for Bruschi to be designated on the physically unable to perform list, an option if Bruschi changes his mind about playing this season.
Bruschi would have to sit out the first six weeks of the season, but could begin practicing after six weeks. The Patriots then would have 21 days to place him on the active roster or on injured reserve.
Bruschi will be paid his $850,000 salary, so it makes sense to keep the options open.
If speculation of Bruschi's return is causing a distraction, the Patriots may opt for a designation with more finality. If Bruschi is placed on injured reserve, he would have to sit out the entire season. The team has to inform the NFL of Bruschi's designation by a week from today.
Bruschi, one of the defensive captains, is expected to be reelected when the players vote later in training camp, which begins next Thursday. Bruschi will be allowed to work out with the team and take part in team meetings, even if he is on injured reserve. It's not known whether he will be on the sideline for games or in the press box, but he is expected to have input in coaching the linebackers.
The Patriots and cornerback Ellis Hobbs agreed to a deal yesterday, according to team sources. No terms were released. The 5-foot-9-inch, 188-pound Hobbs was drafted in the third round (84th overall) out of Iowa. The agreement leaves first-round offensive lineman Logan Mankins as the team's only unsigned draft pick.
