"The Tom Brady watch continues.

The quarterback, who is suffering from a sore right foot that has kept him out of the last two preseason games, was not at practice yesterday, at least during the media portion, after appearing at practice on Monday.

However, Brady had a good reason to be absent. He was on the West Coast attending to a personal matter. That was the explanation given at the Patriots Kickoff Gala last night at Gillette Stadium for Brady's absence from that event.

Adding intrigue - and possibly horseplay - to the situation was a set of crutches that had been propped up in Brady's locker, one day after reporters spied a walking boot there. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Monday night that Brady is dealing with a deep bone bruise on his right foot.

Before panic sets in among the Foxborough Faithful, keep in mind that Brady and his offensive linemen have been known to play practical jokes, though Matt Light sheepishly denied responsibility for the crutches.

"No, no, no. I stopped all that," said Light. "I'm turning over a new leaf."

Of course, if Brady, who has not taken a snap in a preseason game, does actually need the crutches, it's no laughing matter, and would call into question what he said Monday, when he told WEEI that he expects to be ready for the season opener Sept. 7 against the Chiefs.

On the immediate front is whether Brady will suit up tomorrow when the Patriots close the preseason against the Giants. Bill Belichick wasn't tipping his hand.

"Tom is in the same boat as everybody else," said Belichick. "Each player has his own situation and they are not all the same. Tom obviously has a lot of playing experience and has a lot of experience in this system. If they are able to play, then they will play. If they are not able to play, or we don't want to play them, then we won't. We really haven't made those decisions yet on the Giants game."

Running in place

Running back LaMont Jordan, who has not played in a preseason game since he had 19 carries for 76 yards in the opener against the Ravens and has missed practice time with an undisclosed injury, sounded eager to get back and grab a few carries against the Giants.

The veteran, who joined the Patriots July 26, said he feels good about his transition.

"I think playbook-wise, I'm right where I want to be," said Jordan. "There are still a few things I need to make sure I freshen up on, but I think playing-wise, I'm right where I want to be.

"Physically, missing those days kind of set me back a little bit, but that's what happens when you have injuries.""