FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (Aug. 9, 2006) -- New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi has a broken wrist and will not play in any preseason games, coach Bill Belichick said through a team spokesman.
It was not clear whether Bruschi, 33, will be available for the Patriots' regular-season opener Sept. 10 against the Buffalo Bills.
Bruschi was injured July 31, likely in morning practice, and has missed the team's last 10 workouts.
Bruschi missed the first six games last season after suffering a mild stroke just 10 days after the Patriots 24-21 Super Bowl victory over Philadelphia on Feb. 6, 2005.
After saying he would sit out the season, Bruschi returned in late October and helped lead the Patriots to a third straight division title. He shared the Comeback Player of the Year award last season with Carolina receiver Steve Smith.
Bruschi's absence is another blow to the Patriots, who suffered three significant free-agent losses: kicker Adam Vinatieri, receiver David Givens and linebacker Willie McGinest.
The team is also dealing with a contract holdout by top receiver Deion Branch.
The Patriots got good news when safety Rodney Harrison, center Dan Koppen, defensive end Richard Seymour, cornerback Randall Gay and defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan were taken off the physically-unable-to-perform list and participated in practice.
With Bruschi sidelined, the team has been working veteran Barry Gardner at inside linebacker.
