Bootless Brady: Patriots’ star QB back for practice

Tom Brady was back where he belongs Monday, behind center for the New England Patriots’ first practice session of Super Bowl week.

The NFL’s Most Valuable Player missed three practices last week with a tender right ankle, which he had taped for Monday’s training at Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz.

According to a pool report filed by the Chicago Tribune’s Dan Pompei, the only reporter allowed to watch practice, the star quarterback appeared to have a slight limp. But he participated in all phases of practice, including jogging the length of the field twice at the end of drills.

Coach Bill Belichick, as he always does, refused to comment on any injuries, or on Brady’s presence at the workout.

“Everybody practiced,” Belichick said. “The injury report will be out Wednesday.”

Brady’s return from an injury he said he sustained in the AFC championship game against San Diego was a welcome sight to receiver Wes Welker.

“Anytime the MVP of the league is back, it has to be a positive,” Welker said. “He looks good – the same dimples and all.”

Brady, who wasn’t made available to the media Monday, said his ankle felt good when the AFC champions met with reporters for the first time Sunday shortly after arriving in Phoenix.

“I’m not concerned about how it’s going to affect my play,” he said. “This won’t keep me out.”

Nor do his teammates seem concerned about the situation.

“I don’t worry about Tom,” tackle Matt Light said. “He can take care of himself. I have a bunch of guys in front of me from the Giants to worry about.”

Brady’s health became an issue a week ago when he was spotted wearing a protective boot on his right foot while visiting supermodel girlfriend Gisele Bundchen in New York.

Giants feeling sick

The New York Giants arrived in Arizona for the Super Bowl on Monday, looking like the cast from “Men in Black,” and battling the flu.

Rookie starting cornerback Aaron Ross threw up on the plane just before it left Newark-Liberty International Airport. He was the sixth player to be hit with the bug in the past four days.

Starting fullback Madison Hedgecock, backup defensive tackle Manny Wright and rookie safety Michael Johnson all missed practice on Friday after running temperatures.

Restraining order extended

A temporary restraining order against Randy Moss was extended until March 28 while the New England Patriots wide receiver was in Arizona preparing for the Super Bowl.

Moss’ lawyer, Richard Sharpstein, said the decision came at a hearing in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after he learned the player’s longtime friend changed attorneys. She obtained the order on Jan. 14.

Rachelle Washington’s new attorney is Darrell Thompson, who replaces David McGill. A spokesman for Thompson confirmed the change. McGill did not return calls.

The temporary order requires Moss to stay at least 500 feet from Washington. No criminal charge has been brought. Washington, 35, alleged they had been in an “intimate relationship” since 1997.

Moss has denied the accusation by Washington that he committed “battery causing serious injury” to her at her Florida home Jan. 6. Washington did not attend Monday’s session, Sharpstein said.

Texans hire Ray Rhodes

Ray Rhodes was hired as the assistant defensive backs coach for the Houston Texans.

Rhodes, who spent five seasons as a head coach first in Philadelphia and then Green Bay, worked in Seattle since 2003. He was the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks from 2003-05 and had the title of special projects/defense the past two seasons.

Rhodes worked with Texans coach Gary Kubiak for one season in San Francisco and from 2001-02 with the Denver Broncos.

Around the league

The San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints expect to play each other in London this fall in the NFL’s second regular-season game to be played outside of North America. Both teams said the invitation should come from commissioner Roger Goodell during his Super Bowl address Friday. … New Orleans promoted Greg McMahon to special teams coordinator and Dennis Allen to secondary coach. … Rex Ryan was rehired by the Baltimore Ravens, this time as the assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. The hire was made by new head coach John Harbaugh, who prevailed over Ryan in the team’s quest to find a replacement for Brian Billick. … Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll discussed the Washington coaching vacancy with owner Dan Snyder earlier this month but is no longer a serious candidate for the job, a person familiar with the selection process told the AP. … Nathaniel Hackett was hired as the Buffalo Bills’ offensive quality control coach. … The Philadelphia Eagles hired Sean McDermott as secondary coach.