Tom Brady’s absence from training camp is expected to end soon.
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles told reporters Sunday that Brady will make his return to the Buccaneers early this week after the quarterback took leave starting Aug. 11 “to deal with some personal things.”
The statement from Bowles is more confident than what he told reporters a few days ago, when he said that there was “no definitive date” for Brady’s return.
Brady’s absence has been a mystery, especially for a player who is believed to be as dedicated as Brady has been for over two decades. The 45-year-old retired after 22 seasons in February, but he changed his mind and unretired six weeks later.
The time off was approved by the team, and Bowles said it was planned and not a surprise.
Bowles originally said that Brady would return to the team after the team’s second preseason game versus the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. But as time went on, it became less clear whether Brady would actually return Monday. Now, it seems as if he will be back Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
A veteran player having days off here and there during training camp isn’t abnormal, but an extended leave is. Also, this is the first time Brady has taken a significant amount of time away in his career. The only comparison is 2018 when he skipped OTAs to spend time with family, but those practices are optional.
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
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