"On the verge of becoming just the third quarterback to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a season, Tom Brady was limited in practice Thursday, but coach Bill Belichick won't say how limited.

Brady injured his left, non-throwing shoulder Sunday and reportedly underwent X-rays that came back negative.

Asked Friday what Brady was able to do in Thursday's practice, Belichick said simply, "Play quarterback."

Brady was present for the start of the team's practice on Friday, although it's unclear to what level he participated. The team could think about resting him in the finale, but with a victory Sunday against Buffalo, the Patriots would clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.

In the event that Brady cannot play, which seems highly unlikely, the Patriots would turn to backup Brian Hoyer, a third-year player from Michigan State. Some of Hoyer's most extended NFL playing time came in the 2010 regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins, with the Patriots having already locked up a No. 1 playoff seed."