Report: Tom Brady Will Play Week 1 Vs. Dolphins Despite Practice Absence

Tom Brady was absent for the beginning of New England Patriots practice Thursday, but he reportedly will be good to go Sunday.

The quarterback will play in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, a source told ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss on Thursday. It’s still unknown why Brady was absent for the start of practice.

Brady was not listed on the Patriots’ initial injury report Wednesday. The team re-signed quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson to the practice squad Thursday after releasing him Wednesday.

Brady missed a practice Jan. 15 as the Patriots prepared to play the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. He was held out of that practice because of an illness.

UPDATE (4:50 p.m.): Brady missed practice because of a calf injury, the Patriots announced later Thursday. They didn’t address Brady’s status for the season opener, although that will be revealed in Friday’s injury report.