Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that Bruschi had received several positive medical opinions on both his long-term health and on whether he could play football again. Bruschi would have had to be medically cleared to play football and would have had to sign a waiver protecting the Patriots from any further liability in case of injury. However, it never got to that point as Wednesday the Patriots announced that Bruschi would sit out the 2005 season. Cafardo reports that the next step for the Patriots is to designate Bruschi on any injury list. The most likely designation might be on the physically unable to perform list.

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald reports that though the Patriots are loaded with linebacker depth the loss of Tedy Bruschi will be felt most because of the intangibles that he brought to the game. Bruschi had an instinctive nose for the football and consistently produced huge plays in huge games. That is not something that is easily replaced.

Jessica Heslam of the Boston Herald interviews Dr. Joseph Carrozza, chief of interventional cardiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who talks about stroke cases similar to that of Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi and gives his medical opinion as to whether Bruschi will return to play football next season.

Eric McHugh of the Patriots Ledger notes to not write off Bruschi for 2006. Though Bruschi will sit out the 2005 season he will most likely return in 2006.

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald offers his third in a series of position-by-position looks at the Patriots heading into training camp. Felger takes a look at the defensive line and takes a look at Richard Seymour's contract situation.

Mike Reiss of the MetroWest Daily News offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes.