Thumb put Brady out vs. Bears
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said Tuesday he is ready to play this week against the Carolina Panthers after accidentally cutting his right thumb with scissors before the team’s preseason game last week against the Bears.
Brady, who has been suspended for the first four regular- season games for his role in ‘‘ Deflategate,’’ said the accident with the scissors occurred when he was trying to get something out of his cleat. He said the scissors slipped and cut his thumb.
‘‘ I’m glad it wasn’t the regular season,’’ Brady said. ‘‘ And I learned from it, so hopefully I won’t be operating any more scissors for a while.’’
Brady said he wanted to play against the Bears, but coach Bill Belichick decided he would sit out.
‘‘ It took a few days [ to heal],’’ Brady said. ‘‘ I wanted to go, and Coach said it’s probably best if you — for what I was going to go out and do — just take it easy. So that’s what I ended up doing.
‘‘ I wish I could have played. I’ve been missing playing. I want to get out there with my teammates.’’
Bridgewater throwing again
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater resumed throwing in practice despite soreness in his right shoulder.
Bridgewater threw a few dozen short and medium- length passes in front of reporters for the first time in a week. He didn’t play in the Vikings’ preseason game last week against the Seattle Seahawks, and coach Mike Zimmer has refused to discuss the injury.
Bridgewater was in full pads during weekend practices, but he didn’t attempt any passes. Backup Shaun Hill also was held out of those workouts, raising concern about the Vikings’ depth and health at the position.
Bryant out with concussion
Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said receiver Dez Bryant will miss the team’s preseason game Thursday against the Seahawks after suffering a concussion during a collision with safety Barry Church in practice Monday.
Bryant posted a message on his Twitter account that promised Cowboys fans he is OK. Garrett said Bryant seemed ‘‘ much better’’ a day after suffering the injury and indicated he doesn’t think there is a cause for long- term concern.
Bills receiver may be concussed
Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan said receiver Marquise Goodwin is being evaluated for a possible concussion after his head slammed against the turf while he was trying to make a catch in the end zone during practice.