Brady was on the field during the time the media was allowed to view practice, but the team later reported that had he "limited participation." Patriots coach Bill Belichick was not available for comment.

For several seasons the two-time Super Bowl MVP has been a regular on the weekly injury report with the shoulder problem, which is believed to date to the 2002 season.

Nevertheless, Brady has started 108 straight games, the third-longest active streak among quarterbacks, trailing only Brett Favre (257) and Peyton Manning (156).

Brady turned 30 last month. At the start of training camp, he said he planned to rest his arm more.

"One thing I'm doing a little bit different is that I'm really monitoring my throws in the preseason," he said. "Before I'd come out and I'd throw 100 balls a day. After a while, you throw 100 balls here at practice, that's 200 balls a day in two-a-days, and you go, `After four days, why is my arm sore?' Well, because you're throwing (so much)."

Receiver Randy Moss, who missed all four preseason games with a leg injury, also was limited in practice Thursday, although the Patriots listed the reason as "team decision."

Brady looked sharp in the Patriots' third preseason game, completing 17 of 22 passes with two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers. He and the rest of New England's starters sat out the final preseason game.