Tedy

Bruschi

It looked like Bruschi may have broken his leg, but he got right up, and had a smile on his face later in the game.

He’s signed with New England for three more seasons. The team or Bruschi have not commented to the long-term implications of the stroke.

It’s way too early to be making statements like this. But anyone who saw Bruschi walking cautiously to his car after being released from the hospital can’t help but feel pessimistic. The Herald gets it right when they write, ''And as much as the Patriots need Bruschi, his family needs him more.’'

Bruschi will address questions about his future in football next week when he is expected to talk to the media.

The partial paralysis Bruschi was suffering from is now gone. Bruschi was reported to be ''sitting up in bed’’ and talking.

Bruschi represents himself in negotiations and remains one of the cornerstones of the New England franchise.

Surgery means that Bruschi should be out at least six weeks, which makes him unlikely to be ready for the start of the season. New England is scrambling at linebacker with Barry Gardner lining up as a starter. Could a trade for Donnie Edwards be a possibility?

The team won’t confirm until Wednesday or Thursday whether he needs surgery. If he does, he could be out six weeks and miss regular season time. Inside linebacker was New England’s thinnest position before the injury and is now a serious problem. Mike Vrabel could move inside to pair with Monty Beisel.

He will be in a splint for a week, then re-examined. If the injury required surgery, Bruschi’s status for Week 1 could be in question.

He’ll miss at least a week of camp while the injury is evaluated and the Pats already have depth problems at ILB. Monty Beisel is a starter and the team may have to move Mike Vrabel inside. Even if it was broken, Bruschi would have time to get ready for Week 1.