Brady taking 11-day leave
Tom Brady was excused from training camp Thursday, the first day of what Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said was a planned 11-day absence from the team to address “personal things.”
Bowles said the 45-yearold quarterback’s break from practice was arranged before camp began, adding that Brady won’t return until after the Bucs’ Aug. 20 preseason game at Tennessee.
Backup quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert, Kyle Trask and Ryan Griffin will share snaps during Brady’s absence.
Eight-game ban OK with Watson
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson would accept an eight-game suspension and $5 million fine to avoid missing the entire season, a person familiar with his defense said.
The former Texan, who’s facing a potential yearlong ban for sexual misconduct, would agree to a lesser penalty in a settlement, the person said. There was no immediate word on whether the NFL would consider such a compromise.
Super Bowl hero retires from Pats
James White, who scored the game-winning touchdown in the New England Patriots’ historic comeback win over Atlanta in the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston, announced his retirement.
White won three Super Bowls in eight seasons — all with the Patriots. White set Super Bowl records for points scored in a game (20) and receptions (14) as the Patriots rallied from a 28-3 third-quarter deficit to beat the Falcons 34-28 on Feb. 5, 2017, the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Odds and ends
Patrick Mahomes will start the Chiefs’ preseason opener in Chicago on Saturday, joining Carson Wentz (Commanders) and Mitch Trubisky (Steelers) as starting quarterbacks who’ll play in their teams’ preseason openers . ... Looking to replace the injured Mekhi Becton, the Jets agreed to terms with former Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown on a two-year contract worth a reported $22 million . ... Bears wide receiver N’Keal Harry underwent surgery on his left ankle and will be sidelined indefinitely . ... The Broncos’ new owners named NFL International CEO Damani Leech as the team’s new president . ... Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was absent from practice because of an illness.