"Back in a full-pads practice yesterday for the first time since July 31, Tedy Bruschi explained that his absence was due in part to age. It takes a 36-year-old linebacker a little longer to recuperate than a 26-year-old linebacker.

"You get a little bit older and you have to mend some aches and some pains,'' said Bruschi. "That's just why it took a little bit longer for me to get out here, but I'm feeling better now and hopefully I can get back to work.''"