The Facts: Brady had his 12 stitches removed from his right hand earlier this week, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Diehards Line: Brady had played against Jacksonville with the stitches in his hand, protected by a bandage that received plenty of pre- and in-game attention. As NFL.com reminded readers, the stitches didn't seem to hinder the five-time champion much. Brady completed 26 of 38 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns in a come-from-behind win over the Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game to earn his eighth career appearance in a Super Bowl. He will start and play as usual against the Eagles next Sunday.