Brady's Season Appears Over

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Brady's Season Appears Over
By Mark Maske
September 7, 2008

An NFL source said tonight the New England Patriots believe they have lost quarterback Tom Brady for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.

The Patriots are resigned to the fact that Brady likely suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and perhaps other damage in his left knee during today's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, said the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss Brady's condition publicly.

Brady exited the game after taking a hit to the knee and was replaced by backup Matt Cassel.

Cassel finished the game, won by the Patriots.

He probably would become the Patriots' starter if Brady indeed is sidelined.

Brady, a three-time Super Bowl winner, is coming off one of the best seasons that a quarterback ever has had. He threw 50 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions during the regular season last year while the Patriots went 16-0. He was named the league's most valuable player but fell short of a fourth career Super Bowl title when the Patriots were upset in the Super Bowl by the New York Giants.

He has been beset by a series of injuries beginning with the AFC title game last season, when he suffered a high ankle sprain on his right leg. He was sidelined for this entire preseason because of a sore right foot, and now comes this injury.

Brady was hurt when he was hit by Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard after delivering a throw.

Free agent quarterback Chris Simms, released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their final round of roster cuts, is scheduled to work out for the Patriots on Monday and could be signed by day's end. The Patriots also could consider free agent Tim Rattay, a source said.