Pool report from practice

The following is today's pool report from practice, from Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune:

Quarterback Tom Brady's ankle injury continued to look like a non-factor in practice Thursday. Brady moved well, threw well and did not appear to limp. His ankle was not taped over his shoe.

Receiver Jabar Gaffney's participation in practice was limited because of a shoulder injury.

After an inconsistent showing Wednesday, the Patriots had a crisp practice on a sunny day at Sun Devil Stadium Thursday.

The Patriots don't always wear pads on Thursdays, but they did in preparation for Super Bowl XLII.

Coach Bill Belichick said his team practiced better. "Another day always helps," he said. "These guys care. They want to practice well. When we make mistakes we've got to correct them. They want to get it right the next time."

Asked where the team was in terms of overall preparation, Belichick said, "We're pretty close. We'll review some stuff tomorrow. There won't be hardly anything new. Just reviewing situations. We're as ready as we're going to be. We could spend four weeks preparing for the Giants. But we'll be ready to go."