Bruschi speeds progress
New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi is working toward a return to the Patriots – this season, not next – thanks to a faster-than-expected recovery from the stroke that sent him to the emergency room just days after playing in his first Pro Bowl.
Several obstacles remain: Bruschi has received favorable reports from doctors but not final medical clearance, and others involved in the decision – including the team’s lawyers and Bruschi’s family – have not signed off on it.
Bruschi said this summer he had no intention of coming back for the 2005 season. But the speed of his rehabilitation has made it possible for him to accelerate his schedule.
“Anybody we can get back to this football team at this point would help us, regardless of who it is,” linebacker Mike Vrabel said Friday. “Whoever we can have back, we’ll take back.”
Bruschi is eligible to return from the physically unable to perform list after the sixth week of the season, which starts Monday. Bruschi was not available for comment.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he would leave any comment to Bruschi.
Since winning their second straight Super Bowl in February, the Patriots have lost defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, cornerback Ty Law, linebackers Roman Phifer and Ted Johnson, and safety Rodney Harrison. Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Richard Seymour missed last week’s game with a knee injury, and cornerbacks Tyrone Poole and Randall Gay have missed time with ankle injuries.
Harrison expects to undergo surgery in about a month, once the swelling in his knee subsides.
Vikings owner demands standards
Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf is angry and embarrassed over accounts of drunkenness and sexual misbehavior by his players on a charter cruise, and said the team will now have a conduct code.
Wilf, in his first comments since the boat party last week, said he has apologized to the governor. He also has spoken with his players, who will be held to a code demanding “high standards, high morals and success.”
Around the league
Baltimore cornerback Chris McAlister and wide receiver Derrick Mason were fined $5,000 apiece by the NFL for unsportsmanlike conduct during last Sunday’s loss to Detroit. … Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair was added to the Titans’ injury report because of back spasms and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati. McNair did not participate in the day’s workout, but downplayed the seriousness of the situation. … Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor vowed to play Sunday against Pittsburgh, while the team said it will wait until game time to decide.