Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe is reporting that Tom Brady's decision to forgo the Pro Bowl in Hawaii is due in part to a groin injury, two sources close to Brady said yesterday. The severity of the injury isn't known at this time. Calls to Brady's agent, Don Yee, weren't returned yesterday, and the Patriots have not made any statement regarding the quarterback's decision to pull out of the game.

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald offers an update on Patriots safety Rodney Harrison. Harrrison said he remains on pace for a return next season, although not necessarily for the start of training camp. Harrison is currently working out four days a week at Gillette Stadium for 3-5 hours per session. "I feel like I'm right on pace, and the doctors agree," said Harrison, who tore his ACL, PCL and MCL in Pittsburgh on Sept. 25. "They feel very good about where I am right now, and so do I."

Michael Felger of the *Boston Herald * reports that ABC/ESPN announced that Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick will join Sunday's three-hour pregame as an analyst and commentator. Belichick will work with anchor Mike Tirico from a location on the turf at Ford Field, separate from the main set with Chris Berman, Michael Irvin, Steve Young and, most notably, Tom Jackson. "I was invited to participate in ABC's pregame show and saw it as an interesting opportunity to gain a different perspective on the Super Bowl," Belichick said. "I have always enjoyed a good relationship with ABC and look forward to working with Mike Tirico on Sunday."

John Tomase of the Boston Herald writes that Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest was spotted at Super Bowl headquarters in Detroit. A winner of three of the past four Super Bowls, McGinest made the rounds on Radio Row yesterday as a visitor. And yes, he said it takes a little getting used to. "It doesn't (stink) being here," he said. "If it did, I wouldn't have come. It's just an opportunity for me to see stuff from the other side." In town to promote a charity with Sharpie that hopes to raise $1 million for school supplies, McGinest said the Patriots aren't playing Sunday for a simple reason -- they didn't deserve it. "We don't make excuses for what happened to us," he said. "We didn't play well enough in the postseason. The two best teams are here, just like they should be."

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald writes that Patriots' rehabbing strong safety, Rodney Harrison called rival Steelers running back Jerome Bettis last week and congratulated him for making the Super Bowl. Harrison said he isn't necessarily rooting for Pittsburgh to beat the Seahawks but does want good things to happen to those two longtime Steelers. "You look at the situation with Jerome playing so long, having a Hall of Fame career," Harrison said yesterday. "So regardless of the differences the (Patriots and Pittsburgh) might have, you have respect for individual guys, and he's definitely one of those guys. As a football player, you're proud to see him get there. So I called him and wished him well. He's a good guy, man. He works hard. He has integrity. He's someone I respect, so I wanted to let him know that."

Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa of the Boston Herald's "Inside Track" report that Patriots defensive lineman, Richard Seymour will be a guest on NFL Network live from Detroit this Thursday.

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes. Reiss also offers his latest mailbag where he answers your questions.

Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes and commentary.