New England Patriots fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when a limping Tom Brady immediately returned to Sunday’s game after reportedly spraining his ankle against the Miami Dolphins.
He also reportedly suffered some bruised ribs, but will be OK and able to suit up for the playoffs.
But things almost got much, much worse, as The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin captured in these clips from NFL Films.
Any hit to the knee region is scary, but having seen Brady tear an ACL in the past and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sprain ligaments in his knee earlier this season, watching Olivier Vernon grab at Brady’s knees as he falls is a terrifying sight for those invested.
The second hit also could be where Brady’s bruised ribs came from, but that’s purely speculation.
Alas, things could have been much, much worse. The Patriots have a bye to get healthy and no more season-threatening injuries. In January, there’s not a lot more a team could ask for.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
