Wednesday 31 January 2018 10:39, UK
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says his injured right hand is improving but it is still not where he wants it to be ahead of Super Bowl LII.
Brady required 12 stitches after suffering a cut on his throwing hand in practice leading up to the AFC Championship Game two weeks ago. He has been coy about the injury since, regularly wearing gloves on both hands.
The 40-year-old arrived at Tuesday's press conference sporting a glove only on his throwing hand and explained how he is trying to protect it the best he can as he prepares to take on Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday's showdown in Minneapolis, live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix.
"My hand? It's getting better but it's not quite where I want it to be," said Brady, heading into his eighth Super Bowl.
"So, I'm just trying to protect it the best way I can. Obviously a very important part of my body as a quarterback so I want it to be as healthy as possible for the game on Sunday."
Brady also spoke of his desire for the Patriots to lead from the front against the Eagles, rather than come from behind as they were forced to do when they beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28, having trailed 28-3, last year.
"There's a great belief in this team that no matter what the circumstance, that we have enough to overcome it," Brady said.
"But I don't think we want to have to overcome that again this year. That was tough to do. We would prefer to get a lead, play ahead, play on our terms.
"It's something that we talk about every week."
Meanwhile, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski says he expects to play on Sunday, after missing the first Super Bowl practice.
Gronkowski has been in the league's concussion protocol after taking a hit from Jacksonville's Barry Church in the AFC championship game.
He made his first public appearance on Tuesday night, and said he is still in the concussion protocol and would leave his status up to the doctors to decide.
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