"Alarms were sounding all over the region this week. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady missed consecutive practices, reportedly because of an injury to his left shoulder. Brady was said to be in discomfort. In New England, this is like hearing that the Kennedy legacy has come under renewed attack.

On Wednesday, the Pats said Brady's absence was for non-injury related reasons. You never know what to believe when Bill Belichick is running the show. For several seasons, Belichick regularly listed Brady on the weekly injury report with a mysterious shoulder problem. It never prevented Brady from playing and winning Super Bowls.

This year, it's his non-throwing shoulder. According to ESPN, Brady needed X-rays after getting drilled at the end of a scramble last week against the Dolphins. One report said Brady was checked for a separation and informed that he was "all set.""