Coach Downplays Brown's Thumb Injury
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel isn’t rattled by wide receiver A.J. Brown’s dislocated thumb, brushing it off as a regular occurrence in the sport. 'I think he's going to be OK,' said Vrabel, adding a humorous note with his analogy that linemen do the same thing on every other snap.
While Vrabel’s statement suggests football players endure similar injuries, the coach expressed a positive outlook as Brown participates in practice alongside cornerback Christian Gonzalez. 'I appreciate what A.J. and Gonzo have done, just come in and compete,' he said.
Frequent On-Field Injuries
Football is inherently risky, with many players dealing with various injuries. Linemen often face dislocated fingers during play, making it part of the game’s physical nature, as Vrabel noted. These injuries are usually managed in-house and don't attract much attention unless they cause more severe complications.
In-Practice Rivalry
Brown's resilience is noteworthy, especially considering his competition on the practice field with Gonzalez. Both players are pushing each other to improve, which Vrabel sees as a positive sign. 'It’s been a good battle and pro football,' he said. He emphasized that the hard work they put in now will yield dividends when the season starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Coach Mike Vrabel's response to A.J. Brown's thumb injury?
Vrabel downplayed the injury, comparing it to a common occurrence for linemen during every other snap of play.
Will A.J. Brown be sidelined with his thumb injury?
No, according to Vrabel, the wide receiver is expected to recover and continue playing, despite the injury.