Unconcerned about shoulder, Brady says he’ll play vs. Jets

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who missed practice Tuesday and was held out of meaningful team- based repetitions Wednesday because of an injured left shoulder, said he’s “not worried about it” and promised he will play Sunday against the Jets.

Brady has taken 32 hits this season and has been sacked 16 times. He underwent tests on his left shoulder after going wire to wire in two games in which he took a few significant hits.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski ( thigh) also didn’t take part in team drills, according to the Patriots. But, like Brady, Gronkowski also is expected to play.

Colts QB Luck improving

Quarterback Andrew Luck will be back on the Colts’ practice field Thursday and Saturday this week, coach Chuck Pagano said.

Pagano described Luck’s progression as “coming along good.”

Luck returned to practice last Wednesday, the first time he has worked out with his teammates since having surgery on his throwing shoulder in January. So far, Luck has been limited to throwing every other day.

Stafford ( ankle) able to practice

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was able to practice despite a right ankle issue that had him limping late in last weekend’s game against the Panthers.

When asked beforehand about his status for Sunday’s game in New Orleans, he said: “You guys can figure it out through the week.”

5 Vikings starters miss practice

The Vikings have five starters with injury concerns going into their game against the Packers.

Quarterback Sam Bradford ( knee), wide receiver Stefon Diggs ( groin), strong safety Andrew Sendejo ( groin), left guard Nick Easton ( calf ) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson ( knee) all were held out of practice.

Coach Mike Zimmer declined to declare Bradford in or out for the game on Sunday.

Rodgers- Cromartie suspended

The Giants suspended veteran cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie without giving a reason. Rodgers- Cromartie has started four of the Giants’ five games, all losses. The issues with Rodgers- Cromartie began last Friday, when he walked out of the team’s “recovery day” session.

This and that

Nolan Carroll, the Cowboys' biggest free- agent signing of the offseason, was released, and ex- Bears defensive tackle Stephen Paea said that he is retiring.

Former Bears cornerback Tracy Porter was arrested Tuesday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on charges of domestic battery and drug possession, police confirmed.