The Facts: Brady sprained the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint) in his left shoulder against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 24, according to sources with knowledge of the injury, but he hasn't missed any game time as a result of the injury. He was held out of practice that week and during the bye week, but one source said his condition gradually has improved.
Diehards Line:As NFL Network insider Albert Breer notes, Brady missed all of Wednesday's practice as part of a schedule he currently is on in order to make sure his injured left shoulder continues to heal properly. The purpose of the rest is to prevent any further unnecessary inflammation in the shoulder, and the management of Brady's shoulder issue at this point is a matter of pain control. It will not keep him from playing but the sprain, by definition, is a low-grade separation, which normally entails a six-week process to return to full strength. That being the case, it's something the Patriots also would have to monitor and manage going forward should they beat the Ravens on Sunday and advance to the Super Bowl. ... Meanwhile, stay tuned for the Patriots full injury report to be released later this afternoon.