Tom Brady slices thumb, misses NFL preseason game

Quarterback Tom Brady sustained a cut to his thumb on Thursday which prevented him from getting the start in an NFL preseason game against the Bears.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was cut ahead of Thursday night’s preseason game — literally.

Earlier in the day, there were reports that Brady would be able to start the team’s home game against the Chicago Bears. Once game time arrived, it was realized that Brady would be sitting out the contest due to a cut injury he sustained just before the game.

A report from NBC Sports on Thursday indicates that Brady sliced his right thumb with a pair of scissors prior to the start of the game. Reportedly, he’d been trying to pry something off the bottom of his cleat which led to the cut injury.

Just before the game, Brady was seen leaving the arena in street clothes, which led to the newer reports that he would not be starting the game. Team protocol allows Pats players not playing in preseason games to leave the game site.

With Brady sidelined, his backup Jimmy Garoppolo took over for a second straight preseason game. Garoppolo is also expected to be the team’s starter for the first four games of the season as Brady serves a suspension handed down by the league. Brady had previously commented that he was pleased with how Garoppolo was looking during training camp.

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So far there is no indication of whether stitches were needed for the cut or how long it would keep Brady away from the field. If it is a serious cut, Brady has plenty of time to heal before he will be expected to start for the team in the regular season. His anticipated start is scheduled for the New England Week 5 game against the Browns in Cleveland on Thursday, Oct. 9.