The NFL's Most Valuable Player missed three practices last week with a tender right ankle, which he had taped for today's training at Arizona State in nearby Tempe. According to a pool report filed by the Chicago Tribune's Dan Pompei, the only reporter allowed to watch practice, the star quarterback appeared to have a slight limp. But he participated in all phases of practice, including jogging the length of the field twice at the end of drills.

Coach Bill Belichick, as he always does, refused to comment on any injuries, or on Brady's presence at the workout.

"Everybody practiced," Belichick said. "The injury report will be out Wednesday."

Brady's return from an injury he said he sustained in the AFC championship game against San Diego was a welcome sight to receiver Wes Welker.