Suspended Brady can't discuss football with teammates
Tom Brady's four-game suspension will ban him from more than just playing football.
The New England Patriots quarterback will not be allowed to "engage in any team football-related activities or discussions with teammates, even if away from the club facility," NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy told Karen Guregian from the Boston Herald.
"There is to be no football communication with the club during the suspension or participation in activities at the direction of the club," McCarthy wrote in an e-mail to the Herald. "He would not be able to receive game film."
Per league rules, Brady is allowed to participate in training camp, opening later this week, but will have to avoid the Patriots' facility and staff once the season begins.
With Jimmy Garoppolo expected to start the first four games, it's unclear how much work Brady will get with the first-team offense in preparation for his return.
Former teammate Kevin Faulk expects Brady to find a way to stay ready by working with available players.
"I’m pretty sure he has that lined up already. That’s the type of guy he is, that’s the type of competitor he is," Faulk said. "He’s going to try and find someone that still has a little something in the tank that can work him, as much as he can work them. He’ll want to throw to someone who’s pretty familiar with the offense."
The Patriots will play the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills while Brady serves his Deflategate ban. He will return Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns.
- With h/t to FOX Sports